| Abstract: | Abstract The first truly ‘ergonomic’ keyboard for modern VDUs was shown to the public in April 1983 in Zurich. This split keyboard was the result of a research programme carried out by the Department of Hygiene and Work Physiology, ETH, Zurich. The ergonomic factors of the keyboard were convincing to the press, computer manufacturers and users. The steps from models of this keyboard to the final product and related problems of industrial design and engineering are explained. This will help in understanding the distinctive time lags between the results of scientific research and the availability of a product in the market–place. |
