up vote 2 down vote favorite
1
share [g+] share [fb]

Why did designers not arrange the numbers on numpads like ATM or phone keypads?

I mean, 7 8 9 - 4 5 6 - 1 2 3 - 0 vs. 1 2 3 - 4 5 6 - 7 8 9 - 0.

Does human brain work the reverse way when working with computer keyboard?

Computer keyboard numpad:

comp

ATM keypad:

atm

Phone keypad:

tel

link|improve this question
85% accept rate
2  
There are only theories. No specific reason. See: Keyboard trivia and Why is the keypad arrangement different for a telephone and a calculator? – slhck Jan 26 at 13:53
The brain doesn't work in reverse, but you do learn to use both separately and switch contexts. See also ux.stackexchange.com/questions/16666/… – Ben Brocka Apr 20 at 16:09
feedback

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

The second link that slhck posted hits it right on the head. The keyboard number pad has the layout it does because that's the same way a calculator is laid-out. The idea was that accountants and others who frequently-used calculators would find it easier to use the number pad, as opposed to the numbers off of the top row.

As a developer, I always hit numbers off of the top-row of the keyboard. On the other hand, I have two friends who are CPAs and they frequently use the number pad...and they are incredibly fast when they do it.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.