Virtual Keyboard UI Design of a Stroke-based Chinese Input Method for Smart-device Games

Abstract

In this paper, we offer a new UI design for a Chinese input method for smart devices during gameplay. Currently, the well-known conventional stroke-based Chinese input method, using only five basic stroke types, could achieve a low learning curve and small keypad implementation. We designed the proposed UI based on this stroke-based input method, compensating for the problem that the input speed is limited by offering a much higher relative input speed. Inputs by pressing or typing keys are replaced with sliding in the proposed method. To evaluate the proposal, we designed and implemented the method with Unity3D. To improve the input speed of the stroke-based method, slide-direction arrows are used, and the selected character is intuitively shown to the user in real-time. The four tones (四?) in Chinese pronunciation are also used to improve the input speed with this input method. In addition, to evaluate the new input method’s UI, we conducted experiments on a smart device, comparing it with four standard Chinese input methods. By inputting 20 random Chinese characters and two-letter Chinese words with these methods, and comparing the input speed, click times, and typos, we demonstrate that there are considerable advantages to the new UI, such that it outperforms other UIs for smart-device gameplay.