Re: [Usability] Usability and workplace injuries

[Alan Horkan <horkana maths tcd ie>]

On Tue, 25 May 2004 lukekendall optushome com au wrote:

> Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 23:05:14 +1000 (EST)
> From: lukekendall optushome com au
> To: usability gnome org
> Subject: [Usability] Usability and workplace injuries
>
> As many people here are probably aware, the mouse is the most dangerous
> piece of equipment for the average IT worker - prolonged *continuous*
> use can easily damage a person so that they spend 12 months in
> rehabilitation, and in the worse case have to change career completely.

Making sure people here are aware is only the first step, the second step
is to pick on some applications and try and get them to do something about
it (file as many bug reports as you can!).

Most developers will be more convinced by the efficiency arguements of
less clicks being better than they will be if you talk about the dangers
of RSI.  Keeping the number of clicks to a minimun and avoiding dependence
on 'right click' is a big accessibility is also a very important arguement
which again can be used to get changes that will also help deal
with your concerns.

> The mouse isn't the only danger, it's just the worst one.  (Trackballs,
> joystick mice, etc, all fall into the same category.)
>
> Some UI techniques actually increase the risk of injury, by allowing
> or encouraging even longer use of the mouse.  Drag and drop is a prime
> example.  (In contrast, the ability to click to pull up a list, type a
> letter-or-three to navigate to the required item(s), and arrow keys and
> finally Enter to accept a choice are healthier choices.)
>
> Is this topic one for consideration?  Are there people on the list who
> have experience in RSI etc., and design techniques that allow healthy
> use?  E.g. that things that shift usage more onto the keyboard (like
> keyboard shortcuts).

I dont recall any discussion of Repetative Strain Injury but there is
definately a big concern about Accessibility which of which injured
users would form a small part.

Sincerely

Alan Horkan
http://advogato.org/person/AlanHorkan/