DualScribe: A Keyboard Replacement for Those with Friedreich’s Ataxia and Related Diseases

Abstract

Abstract. An alternative text composition method is introduced, comprising a small special-purpose keyboard as an input device and software to make text entry fast and easy. The work was inspired by an FA (Friedreich's Ataxia) patient who asked us to develop a viable computer interaction solution -taking into account the specific symptoms induced by his disease. The outcome makes text entry easier than with the standard keyboard without being slower. It is likely that the system has general use for anyone with a similar condition, and also for ablebodied users looking for a small-size keyboard. We present a usability study with four participants showing the method's effectiveness.

Efficient computer operation for users with a neuromuscular disease with OnScreenDualScribe

“…The system was originally built for John, a 41-year-old FA patient, who regularly uses DualScribe [8], a predecessor system which is limited to a proprietary editor window and is thus unable to control arbitrary applications. John helped evaluate a simpler variant of the tool, which was based on a game controller [43].…”

“…Each system was faster than the preceding one, but was slow for situations requiring manual input. Finally, we http://www.journalofinteractionscience.com/content/2/1/2 arrived at the predecessor of the tool reviewed in this article which was limited to a dedicated editor window and thus not yet a general replacement [8].…”

Text entry using a compact keypad withOSDS

“…When DualScribe was finished [1], he used that (and its more efficient Ambiguous Mode) for composing longer texts or emails. However, as the output only appeared in a dedicated editor window, the texts always had to be copied and pasted into the email client, for example, at the end, which was not terribly practical.…”

Applying Small-Keyboard Computer Control to the Real World

“…He developed OSDS, as an extension to DualScribe [9], with the objective to regain productivity lost due to the progression of his disease. The main extension is that OSDS behaves similarly to an onscreen keyboard, working as a mediator between the user and the active application.…”