COMFORT KEYBOARD featuring Disc Loc(tm) Universal Mounting System USER ATTITUDE SURVEY The Health Care(tm) Keyboard Company, Inc. November 17, 1991 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Conduct of the Survey Four Comfort(tm) Keyboard prototypes were evaluated during 1990-91 by the Wisconsin Department of Social Services, medical and rehabilitation clinics, a national organization of centers for disabled persons, major insurance companies and leading, data processing intensive industries. The purposes of the User Attitude Survey were to evaluate the potential benefits offered by the Comfort(tm) Keyboard under actual workplace conditions and to obtain user feedback. The company also asked participating organizations to include in their assessments the experiences of individuals having special physical disability and rehabilitation needs. Some of the 80 volunteer subjects were undergoing evaluation and/or rehabilitation for back injuries, shoulder discomfort, numbness of the hands and carpal tunnel syndrome. Organizations were asked to evaluate the Comfort(tm) Keyboard with respect to the following parameters: Physical Disability: Documentation of the degree to which the keyboard could accommodate various disabilities in order to: 1. Increase access to the computer; 2. Provide greater comfort during computer operation; and 3. Increase productivity during the workday. Rehabilitation: Formulation of an opinion as to whether the Comfort(tm) Keyboard would contribute to the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. Subjects not experiencing physical problems: Assessment of user attitudes toward adopting natural hand and wrist postures while typing HEALTH CARE(tm) KEYBOARD COMPANY, INC. N82 W15340 APPLETON AVENUE, SUITE L, MENOMONEE FALLS, WI 53051 (414) 253-4131, FAX (414) 253-4177 -2- Assessment of user attitude concerning the adjustability of the keyboard sections; Evaluation of the degree of ease with which subjects could acclimate to the new keyboard; and Assessment of the impact keyboard use had upon accuracy, productivity and the reduction of fatigue. After viewing a five-minute videotape on use of the keyboard, subjects used the product under supervision for up to two weeks. Evaluations of the product were based upon observation and post-trial interviews with subjects. Survey Results Evaluations of the Comfort(tm) Keyboard were consistent in enthusiasm and assessment. Typical comments included the following: (+) "After using your keyboard for a period of two weeks, I must say it was difficult to give up. There was a period of about two days to become adjusted to it, but the lessened fatigue factor was considerable. I was eager to use your keyboard as I was having problems with my wrists and had to wear braces on both hands in order to type. While using your keyboard, the braces were not worn and I had no pain, even at the end of a full day." (*) "As a director of vocational rehabilitation programs, I am excited about the keyboard and its potential as a tool that can be used for both staff and clients." (*) "We certainly need help with keyboard ergonomics. ... The old designs just can't meet the needs of employees who put in so many active hours." (*) "The comfort I felt in my wrists and shoulder was immediate. I was having particular problems with my shoulder and being able to adjust both sides of the keyboard to different levels allowed me to experience less pain in the shoulder. I was able to adjust very quickly to the position of the keyboard and was up to my usual typing speed within the first hour of using the keyboard." (*) "Less stress was placed on the wrists. More relaxation while typing." -3- (*) "It did appear as though speed picked up on 2 of the 3 individuals (participating). This may have been due to a better comfort level thus allowing them to spend more time developing their skill." (*) "(Participants) liked the ease of use in setting up the keyboard to suit individual needs." (*) "One individual was pleased that the (numeric) keypad could be adjusted to the left side." (*) "Adjustment was varied from person to person," (*) "As my research and patient care related to repetitive trauma continue, I am impressed by the data pointing to operator positioning as the key to reducing this problem. ... I see the advantages of the adaptable keyboard in wrist positioning." (*) "(W)e recognize the potential that this product concept has for the prevention and rehabilitation of cumulative trauma disorders induced by keyboard functions. Our rehabilitation services have seen an increase in Video Display Terminal induced problems recently. These cases would possibly have been able to return to work sooner and stay productive longer, if an adjustable keyboard had been available for them." (*) "I would be happy to incorporate your keyboard into the design portion of our ergonomics training program." (*) "(W)e are concerned not only as an insurer but also as an employer with the hazards associated with repetitive motion and other ergonomic workplace hazards. ... (The keyboard) certainly appears to have the potential to provide a significant keyboard design improvement." The 1990-91 User Attitude Survey anecdotally confirmed the utility of the Comfort-- Keyboard to trial users, A number of benefits were ascribed to the keyboard, particularly increased comfort, reduced pain and fatigue, increased productivity, and individual adjustability. The Survey provided evidence that the keyboard is seen by both users and supervisors as promoting comfort and access to computers for certain persons with disabilities, as well as for those undergoing a variety of rehabilitation therapies. It was also seen to provide the comfort of natural postures to subjects who were not experiencing physical problems. The positive results reported reinforced the validity of the adjustable keyboard concept.