The Computer Mouse
a human use analysis
Introduction
The mouse is the primary means of navigating computer user interfaces for machines that do not have a touch-sensitive screen or portables that have a built-in track pad. For desktop computers and, available as an option for laptops, the user's right hand is divided between controlling the right half of the keyboard and clasping the mouse to navigate and click. The users we surveyed estimated that between 50% and 70% of their right hand's placement was on their mouse while using a computer. According to a Nielsen Company Audience Report, Americans spend an average of ten and a half hours a day on electronic devices, half of which are computers. We can therefore estimate that every day, our hand is clasped on a mouse for between 2 and 3 hours. Apart from clothing and small personal electronic devices, this is perhaps the product which we contact the most during daily life. This study will unpack the experience of using a computer mouse and challenge the current state-of-the art design.