TouchStream LP by Fingerworks
2002
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Touchstream LP Gesture Keyboard is a multitouch, low impact keyboard designed to enable a user to use multi-touch gestures to input into a computer. An early example of accessible technology, it demonstrates the beginnings of touchscreen innovation.
Touchstream LP Gesture Keyboard was made in 2002 by John Elias and Wayne Westerman of FingerWorks in Delaware, USA. Together with the FingerWorks software system, the keyboard is made with ergonomic principles for low impact typing, allowing the use to pinch and swipe, and use gestures instead of a keyboard or mouse.
The keyboard was designed primarily for people with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and other conditions that impact the ability to use keyboard. The keyboard and accompanying FingerWorks systems were made following co-creator Westerman’s own experiences of RSI and tendonitis when finishing his dissertation.
The TouchStream LP and FingerWorks system was subsequently acquired by Apple founder Steve Jobs in 2005, forming the foundations of the touchscreen technology in the first iPhone released in 2007.
Touchstream LP Gesture Keyboard was made in 2002 by John Elias and Wayne Westerman of FingerWorks in Delaware, USA. Together with the FingerWorks software system, the keyboard is made with ergonomic principles for low impact typing, allowing the use to pinch and swipe, and use gestures instead of a keyboard or mouse.
The keyboard was designed primarily for people with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and other conditions that impact the ability to use keyboard. The keyboard and accompanying FingerWorks systems were made following co-creator Westerman’s own experiences of RSI and tendonitis when finishing his dissertation.
The TouchStream LP and FingerWorks system was subsequently acquired by Apple founder Steve Jobs in 2005, forming the foundations of the touchscreen technology in the first iPhone released in 2007.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Brief description | FingerWorks Touchstream LP Gesture Keyboard is a multitouch, low impact keyboard designed to enable a user to use multi-touch gestures to input into a computer. An early example of accessible technology, it demonstrates the beginnings of touchscreen innovation. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | The object was previously owned by a software engineer and guitar player who was able to continue in his career through using the keyboard. |
| Summary | Touchstream LP Gesture Keyboard is a multitouch, low impact keyboard designed to enable a user to use multi-touch gestures to input into a computer. An early example of accessible technology, it demonstrates the beginnings of touchscreen innovation. Touchstream LP Gesture Keyboard was made in 2002 by John Elias and Wayne Westerman of FingerWorks in Delaware, USA. Together with the FingerWorks software system, the keyboard is made with ergonomic principles for low impact typing, allowing the use to pinch and swipe, and use gestures instead of a keyboard or mouse. The keyboard was designed primarily for people with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and other conditions that impact the ability to use keyboard. The keyboard and accompanying FingerWorks systems were made following co-creator Westerman’s own experiences of RSI and tendonitis when finishing his dissertation. The TouchStream LP and FingerWorks system was subsequently acquired by Apple founder Steve Jobs in 2005, forming the foundations of the touchscreen technology in the first iPhone released in 2007. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | CD.11-2024 |
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| Record created | June 27, 2024 |
| Record URL |
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