Using TRIZ to Design the Future Keyboard

From the SelectedWorks of Umakant Mishra March, 2006 Using TRIZ to Design the Future Keyboard Umakant Mishra Available at: https://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/43/

Using TRIZ to Design the Future Keyboard * By- Umakant Mishra, Bangalore, India http://umakantm.blogspot.in Abstract A keyboard is the most widely used input device for a computer. Using the keyboard is vital to interact with a computer. There are several aspects of a keyboard such as size, key layout, convenience and ergonomic features etc., which are continuously under improvement by keyboard designers and manufacturers. TRIZ is an efficient methodology in product designing. Using IFR and Trends we can well predict the directions of the future keyboards and using and we can overcome the current limitations. This article analyses the critical features of a keyboard, does a functional analysis, derives the Ideal Final Results, draws the future trends, finds the contradictions and attempts to solve the contradictions by using. The trends and assumptions drawn in this article are based on more than 100 patents on computer keyboard. * This article was first published in Mar 2006 issue of TRIZsite Journal

Contents 1. Introduction... 3 1.1 Methodology... 3 2. Components of a computer keyboard... 4 2.1 Features of a computer keyboard... 4 2.2 Pros and cons of the Keyboard Features... 5 3. Exploring features of an Ideal Keyboard... 6 3.1 How to use the IFR for designing a better keyboard... 7 3.2 Exploring trends of evolution... 8 3.3 How to use these trends to improve the keyboard... 8 4. Feature-1: Ease of learning and operation... 9 4.1 Trend: Improving ease of learning and operation... 9 4.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should be easy to operate for any level of users, even for a child or a new user.... 9 5. Feature-2: Speed of operation... 11 5.1 Trend- Increasing Speed of Operation... 11 5.2 Ideal Final Result: The whole document should be produced with minimum keystrokes at minimum time... 12 6. Feature--3: Comfort of Operation... 13 6.1 Trend: Improving comfort of Operation... 13 6.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should cause no stress on the operator even after working continuously for 8 hours or more.... 13 7. Feature-4: Typological errors... 15 7.1 Trend: Reducing Typing Errors... 15 7.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should not allow the user to do any mistake while typing.... 15 8. Feature--5: Other functions of the Keyboard... 16 8.1 Trend: Increasing Functionality of the Keyboard... 16 8.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should also provide all other functionalities required by the keyboard operator.... 17 9. Feature--6: Portability... 18 9.1 Trend: Increasing Portability... 18 9.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should be easy to pack and carry with any size of computer, whether laptop or PDA.... 18 10. Feature--7: Durability... 19 10.1 Trend: Increasing Durability... 19 10.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should protect itself from any kind of misuse... 19 11. Feature-8: Ease of manufacturing... 20 11.1 Trend: Improving Ease of Manufacturing... 20 11.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should be easy and simple to manufacture at minimum cost... 21 12. Findings and conclusion... 21 Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 2

1. Introduction A keyboard is the most important input device and essential for any standard computer. The efficiency in using a keyboard increases efficiency in using a computer. However, most users find it difficult to operate with a keyboard having hundred keys and scattered characters. When we want to improve the keyboard it s easy to think of a solution. But unfortunately that leads to another problem, thus making a contradiction. For example, if some people say that they find difficult to search the characters on the keyboard, you may propose to organize characters in sequential order, i.e., from a z. But then you face the problem of speed. The finger does not move fast on a sequential keyboard. Why do we face these contradictions? Each Problem consists of contradictions. It may be easy to solve the problem in isolation, but difficult to solve it in a particular scenario as it leads to several disorders or contradictions in other parts of the system. Now the question is how to solve these contradictions. TRIZ provides various techniques to solve technical and physical contradictions. The IFR, Contradiction Matrix, and other tools are very efficient to solve the contradictions and improve the features of the product. In this paper we will analyze a keyboard system and its features. Then we will explore the difficulties or limitations of a keyboard system. Finally we will try to improve the features the keyboard by using TRIZ approach. 1.1 Methodology In this paper we will follow a typical TRIZ approach to improve the keyboard features. The steps of the approach are as follows. - Analysis of a keyboard system and its functionality - Exploring the key functionalities of a keyboard - Finding out the trends in keyboard evolution - Finding out the IFRs (Ideal Final Result) of a keyboard - Finding out contradictions for each of these IFRs - Solving the contradictions by using Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 3

2. Components of a computer keyboard The keyboard consists of a set of keys, a key pressing mechanism and a connection the computer. The standard keyboards consists of some LEDs for indicating status of caps lock, num lock etc. The special purpose keyboards consist of various special keys. According to the type of keys, there are four sections on the keyboard. - A text entry section - Navigation section - Numeric keypad section, and, - Function key section Text entry section contains the standard character keys, navigation section contains cursor movement and page control keys, numeric keypad contains numeric keys and function keys section contain function keys and special keys. There are different numbers of keys in different keyboards. The XT keyboard contains 83 keys, the AT enhanced keyboards contain 101 keys, the advanced windows keyboards contain 104 keys, Apple standard keyboard contain 82 keys, Apple enhanced keyboards contain 108 keys. The keyboard is connected to the computer through a wired or wireless port. 2.1 Features of a computer keyboard When we try to improve the keyboard it is important to explore its key features (or properties or parameters). This is because while improving one feature of the keyboard we need to ensure that we are not worsening the other features. The main properties of a keyboard are: - Size of the keyboard - Number of keys on a keyboard - The key layout - Function keys and special keys - Other devices integrated with the keyboard - Ergonomic features - And others. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 4

2.2 Pros and cons of the Keyboard Features Each feature or property of the keyboard has advantages and disadvantages from different angles. When we try to increase a good feature of the keyboard that may lead to hinder or reduce another good feature (known as contradictions in TRIZ). In order to achieve the maximum functionality (or Ideality) one has to optimize all the good features and minimize all the difficulties and limitations. Let s first look at the critical features of a keyboard with their advantages and disadvantages. Feature/ Property of Computer keyboard 1 Conventional size keyboard (vs. small size keyboard) 2 More number of keys (vs. less number of keys). 3 Special layout (vs. standard layout) 4 Separate numeric keypads/ navigation key pad (vs. all integrated) 5 More special keys and function keys (vs. less) 5a Special start and application keys for windows keyboard 6 Keyboard integrated with pointing device (vs. separate pointing device). 7 Keyboard with more assistive features (vs. less/no such feature). Advantages - Spacing between keys is suitable for human finger. - Separate numeric keypad is suitable for number entry. - Advantage of having more functionalities in the keyboard - Possibility of having more special purpose keys. - Can be optimized for the beginners to learn easily - Can be optimized for achieving speed of typing - Can be made suitable to input other languages. - Faster numeric data entry - Faster page navigation - Can give more functionality by using the special keys. Easy access to two frequently used operations without moving hands from keyboard to mouse. - less arm movement from keyboard to pointer, that means faster typing. - Reminds user on special keys. - Help on features. - Warning on errors. Disadvantages - Needs more table space - Difficult to carry because of size - Increases the size of the keyboard - Increases problems caused by size of the keyboard - Difficult to migrate for the existing keyboard users. - Increases surface size of the keyboard. - Increases number of keys, size of keys, system complexity. Contextual to Operating system. Apple keyboards also have special keys specific to Mac systems. - increases device complexity. - Difficult to customize for unseen future programs / environments. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 5

Feature/ Property of Computer keyboard 8 Keyboard with ergonomic features such as arm rest, flexibility of positioning etc. 9 Keyboard with advanced connectors 10 Keyboard with other functionality like storage, speakers, multimedia and other features Advantages - More comfortable to operate - Less RSI (repetitive stress injuries). - faster operation, plug and play, universal connectivity etc. - other devices together with keyboard, reduces cables coming from computer. - integrating speakers, microphones, trackballs, joysticks etc. reduces requirement of table space. Disadvantages - More research required. - new connector needs change in the whole keyboard design. - increases complexity of manufacturing and maintenance. 3. Exploring features of an Ideal Keyboard According to TRIZ, an ideal system is a system which does not materially exist, but its functions are achieved. The ideality of the keyboard can be achieved in any of the following situations. - When the keyboard performs all its required functions; or, - The keyboard is not necessary, its functions are performed without the keyboard; - The functions of the keyboard are not necessary. The second and third levels of ideality solve the problem at the super system. In the second situation above, a keyboard is not required any more because the functions of the keyboard are performed by a mouse (co-system), stylus (cosystem), touchpad (co-system), touch screen (co-system) etc. In the third situation above the functions of keyboard (i.e. typing) is not necessary because probably the system is taking input by voice commands or eye-ball movements etc. However, these two situations take us away from the keyboard to its cosystems and super-systems (input-devices). Let s for the moment assume that a keyboard is necessary and concentrate on the improving the features of the keyboard. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 6

According to the TRIZ concept of ideality- the keyboard should perform all its desirable functions. In order to ensure that the keyboard is performing all its functions, it is first important to know what a keyboard is supposed to perform, or in other words, what functions the user desires from a keyboard. A thorough analysis of the keyboard functionality finds the following functions of a keyboard. Features/ Functions 1 Ease of learning and operation Ideal Expectations The keyboard should be easy to operate for any level of users, even for a child or a new user. 2 Fast to operate The whole document should be produced with minimum keystrokes at minimum time. 3. Comfortable to operate The keyboard should cause no stress on the operator even after working continuously for 8 hours or more. 4. Less error prone The keyboard should not allow the user to do any mistake while typing. 5. Increased functionality The keyboard should also provide all other functionalities required by the keyboard operator. 6. Portability The keyboard should be easy to pack and carry with any size of computer, whether laptop or PDA. 7. Durability The keyboard should protect itself from any kind of misuse. 8. Ease of manufacturing The keyboard should be easy and simple to manufacture at minimum cost. 3.1 How to use the IFR for designing a better keyboard In the above table we find there are eight key functionalities or main useful functions (MUF) of a keyboard and each of them has their ideal expectations. These optimal features are Ideal Final Results (IFR) in TRIZ terminology. Some IFRs are not achievable or extremely difficult to achieve. For example, Operator should be able to type a document with minimum keystrokes or minimum movements of arms and fingers or the keyboard must protect itself from being misused etc. But does not matter, this IFR makes it clear that movement of arms and fingers is an worsening factor and the invention should look at reducing movement of arms and fingers. Similarly the inventions should look at protecting the keyboard from being misused by self locking, self covering and other self protecting features. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 7

3.2 Exploring trends of evolution Once we explore the IFRs, it s very easy to draw the trends of evolution for the keyboard. From the above list of IFRs we draw the following trends of the keyboard evolution. - Increasing ease of learning - Increasing ease of operation - Increasing speed of typing - Increasing comfort of typing - Decreasing errors in typing - Increasing additional functionality - Increasing portability - Increasing durability - Increasing ease of manufacturing 3.3 How to use these trends to improve the keyboard The above trends show us a straightforward direction for future keyboards. All the future keyboards will be ahead in atleast one or more of the above trends. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 8

In the above chart we plot all trends corresponding to the eight improving parameters and plot the position of a hypothetical keyboard. The area at the center in green represents the functionalities already achieved, and the area in pink represents the functionality yet to achieve or evolutionary potential. We can plot any keyboard in a chart similar to above and find out its evolutionary potential. 4. Improving Feature-1: Ease of learning and operation The layout of the characters on a computer keyboard is very much scattered and very difficult to learn for a new user. There is no help on the function keys, special keys and composite keys, which create a lot of confusion to the user and often leads to press wrong keys for wrong operations. Most function keys and special keys are pre-defined for an application and the user has no option to change the meaning of the keys. 4.1 Trend: Improving ease of learning and operation The future keyboards will be easy to learn and easy to operate. There can be some assistive feature, user guide etc. built in with the keyboard. There can be a better layout, color code or other features to facilitate learning and operation. 4.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should be easy to operate for any level of users, even for a child or a new user. Sl. 1 Reorganize the keys to make it easy to learn 2 Use different color schemes to make keys/ key-sets more discernable. An easy to learn keyboard may not be fast to operate Changing keyboard layout will make it difficult for existing users to migrate A layout that is easy to learn and faster to operate. -do- Dynamic configuration of keyboard layout through software, without changing the hardware. Another Dimension Partial or excessive action -do- Color change Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 9

Sl. 3 Display definition of function keys and special purpose keys on the screen. Displaying key-help on the screen will occupy valuable screen space. Display descriptions of only the relevant keys and not others. Display key-help when necessary and hide at other times Toggle option to display or hide key-help depending on user s level of familiarity. Counterweight Taking out Discard and recover Parameter change 4 Use stickers on the keys or on the keyboard. 5 Adjustable height, adjustable angle, adjustable rotation. 6 Light tactile keyboard 7 User definable function keys and control keys 8 Predictive hints for typing based on dictionaries. Using stickers on keyboard cannot change to display different layouts for different applications. Dictionary will differ for word processing, programming and other activity. Use multiple cards for different layouts, use a folding mechanism to keep the required layout visible on the top. Use LCD/ digital display to display key descriptions on the keyboard. Change the dictionary dynamically, and automatically when the user changes his Counterweight Mechanics Substitution. Parameter change Local Quality Counterweight Self Service Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 10

Sl. 9 Separate numeric keypad for ease of numeric data entry (separate navigation keypad) Packing the dictionaries along with the keyboard is not convenient. Separate numeric pad increases the size of the keyboard. activity Implement through software Make the numeric pad a detachable unit to detach when not used. Make a folding or sliding num pad which can be folded while not used. Another dimension. Segmentation Taking out Segmentation Taking out 10 Attaching a pointing device with the keyboard to reduce arm movements from keyboard to mouse. Make sockets in the keyboard to attach and detach the numpad, touch pad or other devices as required. Nested doll Discard and recover. Prior Action Counterweight Merging 5. Improving Feature-2: Speed of operation A conventional keyboard needs excessive finger and arm movement which slows down the speed of typing. There are not enough special keys which would do more work in less keystrokes. The user does not use the special keys as he is not aware of their availability. 5.1 Trend- Increasing Speed of Operation The evolution of keyboard should take it towards increasing speed of operation. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 11

5.2 Ideal Final Result: The whole document should be produced with minimum keystrokes at minimum time. The speed of operation may be achieved by special keys, character layout, keyboard structure, color indicators or other means. In order to achieve the above IFR we will face the following contradictions. The table shows some Solutions and possible solution to the contradictions. Sl. 1 Using special keys to type multiple characters in single stroke. Shortcuts for commonly used words like the, this etc. can improve typing speed. 2 Optimize the keyboard layout to keep most frequently used keys at the home position. This will reduce finger movements and increase typing speed 3 Reduce the number of keys to reduce finger movements which will increase speed of typing Assigning keys to words will increase the number of keys on the keyboard. Will increase the difficulty of remembering the special keys on the keyboard. Changing keyboard layout will be difficult for existing users to migrate Reducing number of keys will Use key combinations such as ctrl_t, Alt_t etc. instead of individual keys. Use a key descriptor which will describe the function of the keys. Make only minimum changes to the standard QUERTY keyboard to balance speed and familiarity. Assign most frequently used skipping Prior Action Composite. Counterweight Another Dimension Partial or excessive action. Parameter change. Segmentation Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 12

Sl. 4 Attach a pointing device to the keyboard which will reduce arm movements and increase speed 5 Provide feature to auto-complete words based on dictionary increase use of combined keys which will reduce ease of operation. keys to single strokes, less frequently used keys to combined strokes. 6. Improving Feature--3: Comfort of Operation Partial or excessive action. Prior Action Counterweight Merging Self service The current keyboard requires a lot of finger and arm movements which causes repetitive stress injuries (RSI). As the keyboard is flat on the desk, the operator has to sit straight to operate the keyboard which is not very comfortable and often causes back pain. The operator has to hold up his arms which is very painful. The user cannot operate on standing or sleeping position. The operator cannot take the keyboard away from the computer, nor can keep on his lap comfortably. 6.1 Trend: Improving comfort of Operation The future keyboard should be more comfortable to operate. The comfort may be achieved by changing its shape or structure, adding ergonomic features, adding supports or cushions etc. 6.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should cause no stress on the operator even after working continuously for 8 hours or more. Working on the keyboard should cause no stress. The operator should work without pain as long as he wishes. In order to achieve this IFR we can take the following measures. However, each solution has contradictions which are also tried to be solved by using. Sl. 1 Attach a wrist support to the keyboard Cushion Enrich Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 13

Sl. 2 Use light tactile keys, which will reduce stress on fingers. 3 Use leg attachment features to make the keyboard stable on the lap to operate. 4 Organize the row of keys in a curved way to match the shape of human fingers 5. Adjustment to keep the keyboard at the angle suitable for the user, (Unlimited tilt, lateral tilt, negative tilt etc.) This reduces tension of forearms. 6 Adjustable height to match with the height with the chair, height of the operator, position of the operator. Attaching a wrist support will increase the size of the keyboard and reduce portability. Make the wrist support flexible or detachable, to attach when required Parameter change Another dimension Another dimension Curve Homogenous 7. Unlimited rotation 8 Variable gap between left half and right half of the keyboard. 9 Lighting mechanism for the keyboard, or illuminated keyboard 10 Using a cushion on the control stick reduces finger pain and irritation. Enrich Cushion Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 14

7. Improving Feature-4: Typological errors The conventional keyboard requires a lot of cross directional finger movements which leads to more typological errors. Besides the keyboard does not contain any error controlling or error correction mechanism. There is no security as anybody may key in something while the user is temporarily away. 7.1 Trend: Reducing Typing Errors The future keyboards will have features to reduce typological errors. 7.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should not allow the user to do any mistake while typing. The design of the keyboard should be such that the user will not make any error while typing. Sl. 1 Using red or aggressive colors for risky keys to alert users not to press them by mistake 2. Displaying hints on typing 3. Auto correction features using dictionaries 4. Adequate spacing between keys to reduce chances of pressing wrong keys. 5 Change layout of the keyboard to reduce cross finger movements Hints on keys will vary from software to software, which is difficult to implement through keyboard Implement through software. Use tables containing keys and hints, to display hints on keys and typing. Color change Counterweight Another dimension Intermediary Self service Intermediary Parameter change Another Dimension Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 15

Sl. 6 Slow tick sound on every keystroke to ensure that the key-press has happened. 7 Beeping sound in case of wrong or risky keys 8 Size and shape of the keyboard to match the fingers of the operator 9 The keyboard works only after taking a valid password 10 The keyboard locks itself when not used for a period Does not work when the speaker is off or detached Sound may not be audible to deaf users The keyboard can have a separate inbuilt speaker Use flashing of the screen as well. Feedback Taking out Prior counteraction Feedback Prior counteraction Feedback Homogenous Prior counteraction Prior counteraction 8. Improving Feature-5: Other functions of the Keyboard The conventional keyboard is confined to only typing. As the keyboard is quite big and spacious it can ideally do a lot of other things. It can have a small display on itself for special purpose, it can contain speakers and multimedia accessories, it can contain a trackball or other pointing device, it can contain a CD drive and so on. Considering the size of the keyboard, the space is just wasted. 8.1 Trend: Increasing Functionality of the Keyboard The future keyboards will have more and more inbuilt functions, such as, inbuilt clock, camera, CD player, recorder, pointer and so on. It can even have all the functionalities of a computer. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 16

8.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should also provide all other functionalities required by the keyboard operator. Sl. 1 Features to type non-english languages 2 Attach a pointing device for less arm movement and operating comfort 3 Attach a joystick with the computer for gaming comfort. 4 Attach barcode scanner, ICC interface, pager telephone and other features. 4a The keyboard can have a telephone to talk through the intranet/ internet 5 Attach multimedia features to the keyboard, such as speaker, microphone etc. 6 Attach a storage device such as CD drive to the keyboard 7 Attachments for playing music on the keyboard 8 Attach sockets on the keyboard so that other devices can be connected to the keyboard instead of connecting to the back side of system. 9 Keyboard with intelligence 10 Keyboard to use as a TV / VCR remote control enrich Merge Merge Enrich Merge Composite Universality Universality Enrich Merge Merge Enrich Blessings in Disguise Intermediary Enrich Universality Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 17

All the above improvements in the keyboard will have a contradiction with device complexity. In other words, each of the above feature will add some complexity to the keyboard and will make it difficult to manufacture. The above mentioned additional features are implemented in special purpose keyboards, and a slightly complex mechanism may be considered to be normal. For example, a keyboard with built in speakers may be complicated than a normal keyboard, but easier than a separate keyboard and separate speakers which would require lot of cables connecting to the computer. 9. Improving Feature-6: Portability The conventional keyboard is large in size and not convenient to carry with a portable computer. Although a larger keyboard is convenient for data entry, the size does not fit with a laptop or palmtop to be carried together. In the current age of portable computing it s necessary to make the keyboard portable along with other features. 9.1 Trend: Increasing Portability The trend of the keyboard moves towards increasing portability. The future keyboards will be smaller, lighter, thinner, folding, collapsible and other features to make it more and more portable. 9.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should be easy to pack and carry with any size of computer, whether laptop or PDA. Sl. 1 Reduce the size of the keyboard to fit the size of the laptop or PDA 2. Remove the numeric keypad and navigation keypad to reduce size Reducing size and gap between keys will not give typing comfort, will increase errors in typing. Collapsible keyboard Folding keyboard Reduce number of keys to reduce the size Parameter change Taking out Taking out Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 18

Sl. Removing numeric keypad will reduce the comfort of number entry Make the num pad collapsible into the keyboard. Nested doll 3 Collapsible Keyboard or folding keyboard which is reduced to the size of the laptop while carrying 4 Wireless Keyboard to move it to any distance from the computer. 5 Detachable keyboard for laptop. Make num pad a separate attachable and detachable module Discard and recover Taking out Taking out 10. Improving Feature-7: Durability The conventional keyboard is not robust to be used in a public place where it is susceptible to misuse. It s not resistant to water or heat. It s not resistant to misuse by children and insane people. 10.1 Trend: Increasing Durability The future keyboards will aim at greater durability. 10.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should protect itself from any kind of misuse. Sl. 1 The keyboard should have a self cooling system (or heat management system) Using fans will consume electricity Use ventilating holes for cooling Use openable components at Self service Hole Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 19

Sl. 2. Use thin cover to preventing liquid getting into the keyboard 3 Use draining holes through the keyboard to allow liquid to flow out. 4 Cover with thin metallic grill to prevent from sharp materials and misuse by children 5 Use rubber dome or other non mechanical components 6 Automatic power cut mechanism to save power while not used for a long time the side of the laptop for ventilation Self cooling mechanism- such as exposed components Draining holes Self service Thin and Flexible hole Thin and flexible Mechanics substitution Self service 11. Improving Feature-8: Ease of manufacturing The keyboard is difficult to manufacture with so many of smaller components such as keys. Although today s keyboard is much simplified than the old generation keyboards, it s still desirable to make it simpler to simplest. 11.1 Trend: Improving Ease of Manufacturing The complexity of manufacturing will be reduced to make the keyboard simple. This will also reduce its cost. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 20

11.2 Ideal Final Result: The keyboard should be easy and simple to manufacture at minimum cost. We need everything but at no (or minimum) cost. The keyboard should be easily manufacturable and cheaply available. Sl. 1 Using rubber dome instead of springs Cheap and disposable Mechanics substitution 12. Findings and conclusion This study takes a unique attempt to explore all the critical features of a computer keyboard. It applies various TRIZ technologies such as IFR, Trends, and to find and solve the current limitations of the keyboards and shows us a clear direction of the future keyboards. While trying to achieve the IFRs of a keyboard we come across many contradictions. The article presents a lot of to overcome many contradictions. Some of the may look too absurd, some may look too simple, and some may not look that wise. Although many of these look simple and obvious interestingly most of those have already been patented. The paper is based on a study of more than 100 patents on the computer keyboard. When we are told that each of the above solution is patented, we tend to realize that each of the above solution is innovative and valuable. Even if some inventions look simple or absurd they are still inventions. It s interesting to notice that many inventions use very simple mechanism to solve the problems. In fact a simpler solution is a better invention. The above study gives an exhaustive picture of problems, contradictions and through. All the contradictions are solved through The TRIZ methodology not only solves the problems that are perceived and known but also solves which are not known or not mentioned. If we combine all the improving features mentioned above that will lead to the most powerful keyboard or the ideal keyboard. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 21

The study also finds that the inventions are not really different from what we think as a very natural solution. TRIZ is nothing but a very high level of rational approach to solve any problem. Although the above are all patented in some form or other, they are still patentable in a different form or in a different context, which can give new approach to solution. The future keyboard will obviously move through the above-mentioned trends and improve upon the above-mentioned features. About the author After working for more than 18 years in various fields of Information Technology Umakant is currently doing independent research on TRIZ and IT since 2004. He last worked as Director and Chief Technology Officer (2000-2004) in CREAX Information Technologies (Bangalore). Before that he worked as IS/IT manager (1996-2000) for ActionAid India (Bangalore). Umakant is a Master in Philosophy (MA), Master in Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor in Law and Logic (LLB), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE+I), Certified Novel Engineer (CNE), Master Certified Novell Engineer (MCNE), Certified Intranet Manager (CIM), Certified Internet Professional (CIP), Certified Software Test Manager (CSTM) and holds many other global IT certifications. Umakant has authored the books "TRIZ for Information Technology", Improving Graphical User Interface using TRIZ, Using TRIZ for Anti-Virus Development etc. and working on a book on Management Information Systems. Many of his articles are available in SSRN elibrary (http://ssrn.com/author=646786), bepress (http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra), Arxiv (http://arxiv.org/a/mishra_u_1) etc. More about Umakant is available at http://umakantm.blogspot.in. Using TRIZ to design the Future Keyboard, by- Umakant Mishra 22