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From: buck%NRL-CSS@sri-unix.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.works
Subject: Track balls and other devices for a right-handed world
Message-ID: <15488@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 14-Jan-84 22:25:20 EST
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.15488
Posted: Sat Jan 14 22:25:20 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 16-Jan-84 01:24:04 EST
Lines: 19

From:  Joe Buck <buck@NRL-CSS>


A previous message suggested use of a track ball a la Centipede. The
thing that bothered me most about that game is that the track ball was
on the far right and that the left hand had to be used to fire; I could
never master the game because I'm left-handed.

Designers of everyday products, and of computer work stations, often
seem to think that all users are right-handed. When it's suggested
that the track ball be placed "just under the space bar or just
off to one side", we all know which side it will be, don't we?

Pointing devices, of any sort, should be designed not to frustrate
the left-handed user. I don't need a repeat of my college experience:
I went through school cross-legged with my elbow resting on my knee
so I could write on one of those desks.

-Joe