Improved word list ordering for text entry on ambiguous keypads

ABSTRACT

We present a design methodology for small ambiguous keypads, where input often produces a list of candidate words for a given desired word. The methodology uses context through semantic relatedness and a part-of-speech language model to improve the order of candidate words and, thus, reduce the overall number of keystrokes per character entered. Simulations yield improvements in text entry speed of about 10% and reductions in errors of about 20%, depending on the keypad size. We describe a user study with 32 participants entering text on a keypad with letters arranged on three keys. Entry speed was 9.6% faster, and error rates 21.2% lower, compared with standard disambiguation, as found on mobile phones.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen)

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors, Languages, Measurement, Performance, Standardization, Theory, Verification

Keywords:
disambiguation, keypad, mobile devices, prediction, text entry