JOYSTICK KEYBOARD
PROBLEMMucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder which causes progressive damages to body parts such as the heart, bones, joints, and the respiratory and nervous systems. There are 7 distinct types and numerous subtypes of MPS with varying symptoms based on different enzyme deficiencies. Some of the symptoms of MPS include joint problems, thickened skin, breathing irregularities, and impaired motor functions.
Sometimes, MPS symptoms prohibit MPS patients from performing certain tasks as quickly or efficiently as other people. Some of the most common symptoms among all MPS patients include thickened skin, joint problems, and difficulties in performing actions requiring gross motor skills. These symptoms translate to difficulties in performing some everyday tasks, including typing, which is done in a relatively high frequency in the school and office environments. This joystick keyboard team worked with the HKMPS group to develop an alternative typing device that allows individuals diagnosed with MPS to comfortably type as effectively and efficiently as using the traditional keyboard, whilst retaining the full functionality of the traditional QWERTY keyboard. |
SOLUTIONThe Joystick Keyboard developED a typing device and system consisting of both hardware and software parts. The hardware part consists of a typing tool that is easy to use, comfortable, and requires limited hand movements. The software part incorporates already existing and newly created programs that are easy to use, helps users to type in effectively and efficiently, and allows users to perform the functions that can be done on the traditional keyboard. The main targets of the Joystick Keyboard are students and office workers who are diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) in expect that they will be able to do typing-related activities more quickly and comfortably.
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