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Creating an Ergonomically Optimal Keyboard Layout for the English Language Using Genetic Algorithms
KTH, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS).
KTH, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS).
2024 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesisAlternative title
Skapandet av en Ergonomiskt Optimal Tangentbordslayout för det Engelska Språket med hjälp av Genetiska Algoritmer (Swedish)
Abstract [en]

This report investigates the synthesis of an ergonomically optimized ISO keyboard layout for the English language using advanced genetic algorithm techniques. Traditional keyboard layouts, such as QWERTY, are inefficient for modern use due to their historical design constraints. This study employs a large corpus of English text to generate a layout that prioritizes ergonomic principles such as finger travel distance, hand alternation, and key placement comfort. By leveraging a robust set of evaluation metrics, including finger dexterity and comfort, a genetic algorithm was employed to iteratively improve keyboard layout configurations. Results demonstrate a significant improvement in ergonomic efficiency over QWERTY, with a 7.08% increase in the overall fitness score. The final layout exhibits optimized key distribution, reduced finger travel distance and balanced workload across both hands, highlighting the potential of machine learning in ergonomic design. Future research directions include meta-optimization techniques, exploring alternative physical layouts, and refining criteria for improved accuracy.

Abstract [sv]

Denna rapport undersöker framtagandet av en ergonomiskt optimerad ISO-tangentbordslayout anpassad för engelska med hjälp av avancerade genetiska algoritmer. Traditionella tangentbordslayouter, såsom QWERTY, är ineffektiva för modernt bruk på grund av deras historiska designbegränsningar. Denna rapport använder en stor mängd engelsk text för att generera en layout som prioriterar ergonomiska principer såsom avståndet fingrarna rör sig, handalternering och komforten av tangentsplaceringen. Genom att utnyttja en robust uppsättning utvärderingsmått, bland annat fingerstyrka och komfort, användes en genetisk algoritm för att iterativt förbättra tangentbordslayouten. Resultaten visar en tydlig förbättring i ergonomisk effektivitet jämfört med QWERTY, med en ökning på 7,08% i den totala fitnesspoängen. Den slutliga layouten optimerade tangentfördelning, minskade fingrarnas reseavstånd och balanserade arbetsbelastningen över båda händerna, vilket visar hur maskininlärning kan användas inom ergonomisk design. Framtida forskningsområden kan inkludera metaoptimeringstekniker, utforskning av alternativa fysiska layouter och förfining av kriterier för förbättrad noggrannhet.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 27
Series
TRITA-EECS-EX ; 2024:379
Keywords [en]
Keyboard layout, Machine learning, Genetic algorithm
Keywords [sv]
Tangentbordslayout, Maskininlärning, Genetisk algoritm
National Category
Computer and Information Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-351171OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-351171DiVA, id: diva2:1886396
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2024-08-30 Created: 2024-08-01 Last updated: 2024-08-30Bibliographically approved

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CiteExportLink to record
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