🖥️ Rethinking Typing: Should We Teach the Next Generation a New Keyboard Layout? 🚀
In the digital age, the ubiquitous QWERTY keyboard layout, a vestige of the typewriter era, remains dominant. But as we strive for efficiency and ergonomic health, should we consider alternative layouts like Dvorak or Colemak for the next generation?
🔁 The Case for Change
The QWERTY layout was never designed for efficiency or comfort. Introducing more efficient and ergonomically sound keyboard layouts could boost productivity and reduce health risks associated with typing.
👩🏫 Educating the Future
Imagine a future where schools teach an optimised typing layout, preparing students for a more ergonomically sound digital interaction.
🤔 Your Thoughts?
Should we embrace this change and teach the next-generation alternative keyboard layouts? Or do the benefits of sticking with the familiar outweigh the potential gains? How many of you have tried a new keyboard layout, and what was your experience?
Personally, I've made the switch to Colemak. It wasn't easy – it took 6-9 months to regain a natural typing rhythm. But as the saying goes, "there is no growth without some discomfort." I'm not the fastest typist, but I find Colemak more comfortable. I appreciate how OSX simplifies switching between layouts, and I'm hopeful that my kids will be able to embrace a better layout in the future.
Founder/Engineer @ Genai | DevOps, SRE, AI
5moA few years ago, inspired by experiences like the one you shared, I decided to take the plunge into the world of Dvorak. With determination, I dedicated two weeks to mastering this new layout, ready to push through the initial awkwardness But, oh boy, what a challenge it was! It truly felt like trying to write with my left hand, given that I'm right-handed. The experience was a blend of slow progress and unintentional comedy. Even after those two weeks, my typing speed was more of a crawl, and my frustration was sky-high. It seems that teaching this old dog new tricks isn't always a smooth journey. Proud to be a 'QWERTY pleb' and hats off to those who can make the switch!
I switched a mechanical Dvorak in the 90's, lasted under a week never used again.
Senior Technical Business Analyst at x15
5moI tried learning it for a while when you were talking about it in Sydney but didn't keep it up. Maybe time to get back on it. Do you use Colemak on your phone too?
Principal Program Manager | Engineering Experience, Developer Productivity, ITIL, Venture Setup, Modern Workplace, Tooling
5moThanks for the shoutout Kelvin. I really enjoyed the challenge of picking up Dvorak and so glad someone else shared in my enthusiasm! I found it interesting to experience how the brain is able to rewire, a little like how we become fluent in new languages. I also prefer my alternate layout (I use Dvorak). Interesting point about why we keep teaching QWERTY - which is a keyboard layout from the typewriter era!
Here in the UK the keyboard is almost identical to what is normally used in Australian and the US. The UK standard is also Qwerty, with some differences in special characters (maybe only 4 or 5). But… even after 12 months I am still struggling to adapt to these minor changes!