A portable input unit for an electronic workstation

Abstract

This paper describes a collaboration between industrial designers and ergonomic specialists in developing a new input unit for two Scitex prepress systems. Scitex prepress systems are operated with five input devices, most of which are fixed in the workstation, forcing the operator into a rigid sitting posture. A new portable input unit housing three of the input devices was designed in an effort to improve the ergonomic features of the system. The development entailed four states, each of which included the construction of a working model, followed by experimentation and evaluation. Each stage reinforced the positive features of the previous model while correcting its faults. This process resulted in developing a comfortable, convenient-to-use, efficient and attractive input unit.