Abstract
Stylus pens are often used with mobile information devices. However, few studies have examined the stylus’ simple movements because the technical expertise to support documentation with stylus pens has not been developed. This study examined the usability of stylus pens in authentic documentation tasks, including three main tasks (sentence, table, and paragraph making) with two types of styluses (touchsmart stylus and mobile stylus) and a traditional pen. The statistical results showed that participants preferred the traditional pen in all criteria. Because of inconvenient hand movements, the mobile stylus was the least preferred on every task. Mobility does not provide any advantage in using the stylus. In addition, the study also found inconvenient hand support using a stylus and different feedback between a stylus and a traditional pen.
Highlights
This study explored the usability of a stylus pen, focusing on writing tasks in a mobile environment.This paper presents the usability of two different stylus pens, comparing their systems with traditional pen-based handwriting
We found some differences between traditional pens and stylus pens in writing tasks
The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the task completion time needed to write a sentence according to three types of writing tools were: traditional pen, 13.09 s (2.03); touchsmart stylus, 16.65 s (3.17); and mobile stylus, 17.97 s (3.98)
Summary
This study explored the usability of a stylus pen, focusing on writing tasks in a mobile environment.This paper presents the usability of two different stylus pens, comparing their systems with traditional pen-based handwriting. This study explored the usability of a stylus pen, focusing on writing tasks in a mobile environment. We discuss the advantages of stylus writing and suggest a theoretical model of stylus pen use. With rapidly growing touch-sensitive technology, including computer environments and user interfaces, many handheld information devices such as smart phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are used [1] for reading and creating documents. Various applications and input devices with touch-sensitive screens are popular in tablet personal computers (PCs), desktops, and e-book reader devices. With a touch-sensitive screen, it is possible to process input signals using the keyboard or keypad and support physical writing tasks. Digital writing tools have improved and perform the same tasks as analog tools [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
