Science and Technology Enrichment Program (STEP)

Enabling Input on Tiny/Headless Systems Using Morse Code

Anna-Maria 1,2
Gueorguieva , Gulnar 2
Rakhmetulla , Ahmed Sabbir Arif 2
1El Capitan High School, 2Human-Computer Interaction Group, University of California, Merced

Introduction Discussion/Conclusion
• Exploratory research on using Morse code as an alternative way of input • Initial results demonstrate that well-integrated Morse code keyboards prove to be an
• Specifically for: efficient way of inputting text in smaller devices
• Smaller/tiny devices (e.g., smartwatches, etc.) • For special user groups, making the only actions available a short tap and a long tap may
• Devices without screens/headless systems allow them to have an easier experience while using the technology; this is due to the
• Novel devices (e.g., smart glasses, etc.) reduction in potential input mistakes
• Accessibility
• Individuals with disabilities
Participants
• The elderly
• Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, etc.)
entering phrases Future Work
in Morse code • My exposure to new ways of inputting information into smaller devices leads me to
during the user explore new questions on the accessibility of our technologies
Summer Research Overview study • I plan to create programs to allow groups, such as the elderly, who were previously left
behind in the technological advancements to participate in the digital world through
• Involved in a longitudinal study investigating learning of Morse code on
simplified and redesigned keyboards
smartphones, where users typed with Morse Code
• Purpose: gain a better understanding of the learning curve within Morse Code
input
• Findings of this study provide information for the design and development of References
Morse code keyboards for smaller devices, i.e., smartwatches • Farage A.M, K.W. Miller, A. Funmi, D. Hutchins. 2012. Design Principles to Accommodate
• With our findings, we initiated a project on the design and Older Adults
development of such an input method • Ka, Hyun & Simpson, Rich. (2012). Effectiveness of Morse Code as an Alternative Control
Method for Powered Wheelchair Navigation.

Results
Error Rate of Morse Keyboard Speed of Morse Keyboard
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the members of the Human-Computer Interaction Group for their
guidance and help with this project. We would also like to thank Mrs.Melissa Blake, El
Capitan biology teacher, for her reference and support.

The Science and Technology Enrichment Program (STEP) at the University of California,
Merced is supported by NSF-CREST: Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines (CCBM)
at the University of California, Merced (NSF-HRD-1547848).
• Throughout the week long study (10 participants • After one week of using Morse keyboard, the
for 5 sessions) the average error rate decreased average speed increased from 4.7 to 6.9 words The STEP program is managed and organized by the NSF-CREST Center for Cellular and
from 9.5% to 3.4% per minute Biomolecular Machines (CCBM) at the University of California, Merced:
http://ccbm.ucmerced.edu
• Overall, the learning curve for the Morse keyboard is promising and would allow users to quickly grasp the
use of a Morse keyboard
• Implementation of Morse keyboard into smaller devices would take longer to be understood by the user
than traditional keyboards, however is an efficient way of imputing information due to less errors and
faster speed