Computer mouse use has become an integral part of office work in the past decade. Intensive mouse use has been associated with increased risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Sustained, elevated fluid pressure in the carpal tunnel may play a role in the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured in 14 healthy individuals while they performed tasks using three different computer mice.

Ten years ago, when the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (HSE, 1992) were drafted, the majority of computer interaction occurred with text driven interfaces, using a keyboard. It is not surprising then that the guidance accompanying the DSE Regulations included virtually no mention of the computer mouse or other non-keyboard input devices (NKID).

Human engineering is one of seven domains of human-systems integration (as defined in the DoD 5000 series) and is synonymous with human factors engineering. The purpose of this standard is to present human engineering design criteria, principles, and practices to be applied in the design of systems, equipment, and facilities.

Source: Extract from Foreword

This document summarizes the process followed by the research team in the development of an updated and revised set of non-keyboard interaction device design criteria. The research and revision process used for creating this set of design criteria is explained in this document, followed by an appendix containing the design criteria itself. The material in the appendix is intended to replace the current material on non-keyboard interaction devices in the Human Factors Design Standard (HFDS).

Source: Extract from Introduction