Human factors design considerations for public videotex input devices

Abstract Eight experiments which formed an integral part of a comprehensive human factors investigation on the design of an input device for public videotex services are reported. Results of the first phase led to the design and construction of two simple keypad devices: a linear configuration, with function keys and numerics arranged in horizontal rows, and a square arrangement, with the function keys clustered around a touch-telephone numeric layout. Evaluation of these keypads with 130 novice users was carried out in Phase Two. While there was little difference in performance between the two pads, an interaction between user preference and duration of use was apparent. A slight preference was indicated for the linear pad on initial presentation but preference shifted towards the square arrangement as the duration of use increased. In the third, and major, phase of the research programme, the two simple keypads were compared with a small alphanumeric keypad and a full-sized keyboard. Results showed that...