Title: A new optimal Arabic keyboard layout using genetic algorithm

Authors: E. Khorshid, A. Alfadli, M. Majeed

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat, Kuwait. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat, Kuwait. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat, Kuwait

Abstract: A new design of Arabic keyboard layout for convenient typing and effective use of keyboard is proposed. The design methodology is based on ergonomic criteria that evaluate and compares different keyboard layouts for optimal characters distribution. The proposed design criteria are simulated by a mathematical model that uses: 1) best distribution of the typing effort among the ten fingers of the typist; 2) accessibility of commonly used characters; 3) various other factors as constraint equations to reach an optimal keyboard layout that is ergonomically improved. This task is carried out using a genetic algorithm based optimisation framework. The new keyboard layout shows better ergonomic performance than the present keyboard being used in Arabic world with a 36.3% improvement.

Keywords: keyboard design; genetic algorithms; GAs; ergonomic design; global optimisation; ergonomics; human factors; Arabic keyboards; keyboard layout; simulation; mathematical modelling; design engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2010.032821

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2010 Vol.3 No.1, pp.25 - 40

Published online: 24 Apr 2010 *

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