Despite the inroads being made by other input methods, the venerable keyboard is still far and away the most common method used for data input, and it is likely to stay that way for a while. But could the current basic keyboard design itself be improved? Research the history of the keyboard, as well as recent developments in keyboard design, then consider the following questions:

a. What is the basis for the "QWERTY" layout?

b. Are more efficient keyboard layouts available? If so, why aren't they being widely used?

c. Keyboards are a form of tactile input. Are there methods of tactile data input other than pressing a key which represents a letter or number?

d. What about the impact of repetitive stress disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can be caused of exacerbated by keyboards? What is the estimated annual cost in lost productivity and medical care?

e. If you were asked to redesign the keyboard, what changes would you make? Why?