A User-Centered Ergonomic Keyboard Design to Mitigate Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational disorders around the United States. The rate of occurrence for repetitive strain injury symptoms for white-collar computer users is significant. Along with medical costs, there are also costs that result from a decline in work productivity from employees who experience MSDs and their symptoms. Acknowledging ergonomic variables, such as the architecture of workplace computer equipment, may well reduce the likelihood of employees forming MSDs. This work portrays what we understand from research regarding the impact of workplace ergonomic interventions as it relates to the computer keyboard, and introduces a design which adopts leanings from literature.