The more time I spend using computers, the more I realize that the ways in which we interact with them suck. Typing is a pain, and I’m very inefficient using a physical keyboard. When using an on-screen keyboard, I’m even less efficient. Until someone invents a really superb way to interact with computers, I guess the best I can hope for is the crocodile keyboard layout for on-screen text entry.
The design looks a little goofy, but the intent is to increase the amount of dead space around each key, thereby reducing the likelihood of pressing an adjacent key by mistake. Without having used the thing at all, it seems like a good idea. But then again, if the Apple braintrust didn’t think of it for the iPhone, it must not be a good user interface, right?
The neat thing is that David Baker originally developed this layout for a physical keyboard for Palm Pilots!
Ya, if Apple hasn’t done it, it must suck!
Actually, the concept behind RIM’s SurePress for the Blackberry Storm makes a ton of sense, they just haven’t nailed the implementation yet.
I like the layout… definitely it will reduce the accidental typos by pressing of adjacent buttons!
Well then do I have something for you. Hate Virtual Keyboards you say!? Maybe not after you read this:
http://www.swypeinc.com/
Cheers!
PS, Croc Keys are tight, seems to reduce mis-entry.
I like very much Dasher
as an alternative way to enter text. With a little practice it is very efficient.
Besides the look, this design lacks theoretical support. A salvaged idea for physical keyboards doesn’t quite work as well for a touchscreen virtual keyboard.
Here is my take if you are interested:
“Not registering a tap in the dead space can be more annoying than getting the wrong character. So ultimately the implementation has to honor a tap in the dead space and interpret it as the key closest to the coordinate.”
http://josephlai.com/2009/tech/triangular-keys-for-your-touchscreen-virtual-keyboard