The Preferred Layout for Numeral Data-Entry Keysets

Abstract
Lt is virtually certain that shortly two varieties of a numeral data-entry device will both be in common use. One is the standard, widely used add-listing machine which has 7, 8, 9 on the top row of a 3 × 3+ 1 matrix of keys; the other is the pushbutton telephone with 1, 2, 3 on the top row. An experiment, using housewives as subjects, was carried out to compare speed and accuracy of numeral data-entry using these two keysets: a third group alternated from one to the other. A highly significant advantage was found for the telephone layout. It was more accurate than the add-listing layout without being slower, and it was more accurate when used alone than when alternated with the add-listing layout.