Tag Archives: Mouse

Foldable mouse concept combines two familiar designs into one ambidextrous design

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Despite being the most popular pointing device for computers, the venerable mouse is filled with design problems that have never completely disappeared. Common mouse designs favor right-handed users, force people to choose between ergonomics and portability, and are often unattractive to behold. There has been a rash of concept designs recently that try to rethink the mouse from an ergonomic angle, and these often end up looking a bit alien and confined to be used on desks only. It’s almost as if there’s no way to combine all these great ideas together, which is what this particular design tries to disprove by reworking two of Microsoft’s most famous mice into something that could be used and enjoyed by almost everyone.

Designer: Carl Betterley

Microsoft has two kinds of computer mice that have become quite popular for almost opposite reasons. The older Arc mouse has a quirky shape that prioritized portability by folding flat when not in use. Unfortunately, this design limited the mouse to a narrow, almost rectangular shape that is practically uncomfortable, especially after long hours of work. The newer Surface mouse, on the other hand, has a fuller and more ergonomic shape but isn’t easy to stow inside bags because of its bulkier form. Combining these two contrasting sets of properties is one of the biggest design challenges for mice, and the Form Travel concept solves it in a rather interesting manner.

On the one hand, the mouse takes inspiration from the Microsoft Arc, with a core shape that is rectangular and flat. Like the Arc, it folds into a curved form when it needs to be used so that it can remain flat and space-efficient when it’s time to slip it inside a bag or briefcase. Unlike the Arc, however, it has a wider shape when, thanks to “wings” that fold to the side and are kept in place with magnets, giving your entire palm and fingers a place to rest.

This rather peculiar shape, which looks like a manta ray when unfolded and laid flat, also carries over one other benefit of Microsoft’s current mice. It can easily be used in either hand, with no predisposition for right or left hands. The “head” of the mouse is completely flat as well and uses gestures to implement clicking and scroll wheel actions. It’s more similar to Apple’s Magic Mouse in that regard, instead of a typical two-button mouse like the old Arc Touch.

One side effect of this creative solution is that the mouse actually takes up more horizontal space when it’s flat. That said, it will still be less than the surface area of a, well, Microsoft Surface. If you have room for a laptop or tablet, you will definitely have room for a wide yet flat Microsoft-inspired Form Travel Mouse.

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This mouse concept ditches the buttons for a more tactile experience

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The computer mouse hasn’t changed its basic design in ages, which also means that the ergonomic problems it had in the past still exist today. There are plenty of new designs and concepts that try to challenge the status quo, but many of these tend to have unfamiliar and sometimes very alien forms. That might be uncomfortable for some people who rely on muscle memory to get things done efficiently. Of course, there’s still plenty of room for improvement even with the more traditional shape of the mouse, and this design concept puts a slightly different twist to the user experience, focusing more on how it would feel under our fingers when you remove the keys and buttons.

Designer: Matteo Ercole

Repetitive strain from using a mouse can come from different motions, though most of the focus is on the bigger movements of the wrist. Our fingers, however, are also quite active when using a mouse, and those could also contribute to eventual injury. That might be especially true if your fingers encounter a lot more resistance from mechanical interfaces like buttons and wheels.

Named “Just another mouse” as a tongue-in-cheek joke, this design concept does away with those buttons and instead presents a device that has a more stylish body and texture. Instead of buttons, the concept utilizes pressure-sensitive areas similar to Apple’s Force Touch trackpad on MacBook. This can expand the number of actions you could use with the mouse or change the gesture completely, like using a slightly deeper press instead of double-clicking. The mouse wheel is also absent, replaced by a touch-sensitive groove that provides less resistance while also giving the finger a more nuanced tactile experience.

The mouse doesn’t have a power switch, either, and it just turns on when a proximity sensor detects a hand on top of it. The internal battery is charged on a wireless dock, similar to how you’d wirelessly charge a smartphone or smartwatch. This further reduces the number of openings and moving parts that could break down after prolonged use.

This concept design doesn’t inherently change the way the mouse looks or functions, but it does open the door for newer experiences, especially when the sense of touch is involved. Rather than typical plastic, the design could use different kinds of materials and textures that give the mouse a bit more flavor, both visually and tactilely. That, in turn, can make the mouse more than just a utilitarian computer accessory but also a beautiful desk decoration when they’re not in use.

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This mouse and table clock join to form a cozy egg-shaped decor for your desk

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The computer mouse is one of those things that shouldn’t make sense when you think hard about it, and yet it has become a staple of the modern world. Even with laptops that carry touchpads, some people still prefer to use a mouse with a laptop, even if it’s not the most ergonomic thing to do. There have been attempts to change the mouse’s image and design, creating forms that are almost out of this world. This concept design doesn’t stray that far from the traditional shape of the computer peripheral, but it still makes some changes that give it a better aesthetic, especially when it’s paired with its table clock twin.

Designer: Juwon Lee (Dawn BYSJ)

You won’t always be using the mouse all of the time, like when you’ve already stepped away from the desk and have shut down the computer. During these “off times,” the mouse sits pretty much useless on the table, like a mound of plastic that breaks the appealing flatness of the desk’s surface. It wouldn’t be much of a problem if the mouse’s design was something you could call decorative as well, but very few mice are like that.

The SEEK concept design tries to change the identity of the computer mouse a bit by giving it another function even when it’s not in use. The upper surface of the mouse that connects with your hand is covered with a fabric-like material, not unlike those found wrapped around smart speakers. It’s questionable whether using such a material is smart, considering how much dirt and sweat are likely to accumulate there, but it’s hard to deny that it looks stylish. It’s also possible to use some antimicrobial fabric, too, or any other elegant material that looks good and feels good in the hand as well.

While the mouse already looks pretty when left on a desk as normal, its real decorative value comes from joining with its other half. SEEK’s other half is a table clock that stands upright in contrast to the mouse’s horizontal position. The back of the clock is covered with the same fabric material and color as the mouse, while its front has the same terrazzo-like surface as the bottom of the mouse. The embedded monochromatic display gives the clock a minimalist appeal, and like the mouse, it can already stand on its own as a decorative table piece.

When joined together, though, SEEK becomes this curious egg-shaped, fabric-wrapped object that could evoke metaphors on incubation, warmth, patience, and the like. Of course, it’s also a beautiful object that adds a cozy accent to your desk, something that you might want to see after a long day of work or before you start your day. Joining these two halves together could even become a ritual for ending your work day, symbolizing putting a close to the work you’ve done and letting it bear fruit and hatch on the next day.

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Ergonomic mouse designed after a Stingray is functional without compromising comfort, productivity, and style

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In my time, I have been through various iterations of a mouse and keyboard: used a few dozens and written about some hundred. If there is one thing that I have found common to all of them, it is that every other mouse or keyboard – independently or in combo – vouches to be more ergonomic than the other.

The objective of each new peripheral is to give users a better tying and writing position; eliminate the use of an external mouse altogether; or offer a unique shape that makes typing on a keyboard/clicking a mouse more natural to minimize chronic postural pain or severe conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Designer: Waia

As I sit behind my computer with one hand on the keyboard and the other on the mouse, I cannot help but reflect; despite all the investment I have made, there is still scope for a peripheral combo that better supports the hands and fingers in a relaxed position.

I do not use a standard keyboard, which is uncomfortable and can account to risk of stressed wrists or finger injury over an extended period of time. My choice has taken me through an advanced Bluetooth enabled keyboard/mouse from Logitech to a small stint with a two-piece keyboard. These have saved me the discomfort in their own sweet ways, but my ergonomic convenience lies at a Logi keyboard with writs rest and a combination mouse featuring a low profile.

In the same league, I have come across Neo – mouse and keyboard combo – which is still a design on paper but it does have the idea to provide user comfort, usability, productivity, and style. Designed in five colors, the mouse draws its design inspiration from a Stingray, which has circular fins around the body to reduce friction and help it move smoothly.

The mouse thus has additional parts on the sides that raise the parts of the hand and signal the brain to change position frequently. The narrow borders and curved design of the mouse make for a seamless experience, while the accompanying keyboard is also designed to match the low, sleek profile. For this, the keyboard features low-profile keys that help reduce strain on the hands during long working hours, but are still comfortable and ensure speed and accuracy. And if you have security issues, you can use a fingerprint scanner onboard to lock your peripherals.

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This sleek mouse design was inspired by a graceful creature of the sea

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As computers become a more integral part of human life, we have finally become more acutely aware of the design flaws in the devices that we use to communicate with these machines. Keyboards and mice haven’t changed their designs significantly over the decades, but manufacturers, designers, and especially users are feeling the pain of using these peripherals, quite literally even. While it might be harder to change the design of keyboards drastically, mouse designs are quite ripe for the picking. There are a few ergonomic mice coming out of the market and even more concept designs that try to reinvent the venerable computer pointing device. This mouse design, however, doesn’t stray too far from the norm but still delivers a form that is regal yet almost alien, just like the sea critter it takes inspiration from.

Designer: Hrishab Prasad

Truth be told, there are quite a few mouse concept designs that seem to be based on aquatic animals, which isn’t that surprising if you think hard about it. Fish and aquatic mammals are known for their sleek forms and their ability to move smoothly, qualities that are highly desirable for an object that needs to also move smoothly on your desk. Some of these animals also look alien to our eyes, which is also a perfect way to insert a bit of a “wow” factor into the design that reimagines the mouse (which is named for a land-based mammal, ironically).

Mylio takes its name from the scientific name of the stingray fish, one of those alien-like critters that are still a bit more familiar given their larger numbers and more visible presence in sea waters. The stingray is characterized by a very fluid and dynamic form, which is why it also lends its name to an iconic speedster on wheels. It’s definitely a fitting design to use for a mouse, especially one that can also look elegant on your desk when you’re not using it.

A stingray, however, is quite notable for the wing-like fins on each side, which is translated directly to this Mylio concept design. Some ergonomic mice already have something almost similar to these “fins,” but they’re often only applied on one side of the mouse. This limits the design to be favorable to right-handed users only or, on rare occasions, right-handed users only. In contrast, this concept design’s symmetrical fins make it possible to use the same mouse in either hand. These fins serve as resting spots for thumbs and palms.

Mylio uses other concepts, like a fingerprint sensor in the middle that can be used to unlock computers in a secure manner. Its core design, however, is really its novel shape, which is both attractive and more open to be used in either hand. Whether it is actually more ergonomic, however, is a slightly different question, especially considering how it doesn’t deviate too much from the typical shape of a mouse that is considered to be non-ergonomic by nature.

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Orbit PC mouse gives your upper body an exercise to avoid strain injuries

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The computer mouse today may look a bit different compared to its first incarnation, but the fundamental design of this important input device hasn’t exactly changed over the decades. That, unfortunately, also means that the problems associated with this old design haven’t really disappeared either, especially those that cause physical injury over time. There has been a great deal of interest lately in redesigning the mouse to be more ergonomic, but not everyone agrees that changing the shape is enough. This design concept, for example, takes a very different approach to resolving the problem of repetitive strain injury or RSI, mostly by shifting the movement away from the arm and wrists and giving your upper body a workout instead.

Designer: Simon Hochleitner

The computer mouse and even the computer keyboard are very unnatural interfaces as far as our bodies are concerned. Especially with the mouse, the hand and the arm it’s attached to are forced into an unnatural position, whether it is in motion or at rest. The movements associated with prolonged and repeated use of the mouse eventually lead to what is sometimes called “mouse arm,” as well as the injuries that come with it. You might think that your arm is getting some exercise, but it’s really the wrong kind of movement and resting position that actually causes those injuries.

Ergonomic mice can only do so much since it simply shifts the tension and strain to other parts of the hand and arm. Orthopedists and physiotherapists might have a different idea on how to solve this problem, and it unsurprisingly involves using correct movements and posture. What may come as a surprise, however, is how this can be done by simply changing the way we use the mouse.

James Dyson Award national winner Orbit redesigns the mouse not by changing its shape but by changing the way we move it across a flat surface. Instead of simply sliding over a mouse pad, Orbit has three resistance bands that hold the “mouse” in the center. To move the mouse, you have to exert a bit of effort to counter the resistance, which, in turn, shifts the force to other muscle groups, particularly the ones responsible for posture. With this system, the body is forced not to slouch and use those upper body muscles instead of relying on wrist and forearm muscles to move the mouse.

Orbit actually does change the design of the mouse by turning it into a joystick. Unlike a typical joystick, however, you still have to move it across the surface, much like a mouse. The only difference is that the joystick shape keeps the arm in a more natural position to reduce stress. The touch-sensitive ring on top acts as a mouse wheel so that you don’t have to change your hand’s position or stop the movement just to use it. There is also a “flat” version that more closely resembles a traditional mouse that’s designed for gamers.

Whether it’s changing the shape of the mouse or adding some resistance, it’s encouraging to see designers challenging the status quo when it comes to this input device. It might still take some time before the industry embraces these ideas, but increasing awareness about the problems with computer mice is an important first step in changing people’s perceptions.

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This ergonomic mouse concept tries to break free of traditional designs

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Sticking to a familiar product design carries some benefits, such as inspiring confidence that you don’t have to retrain your brain on how to use the product. At the same time, though, it also carries a risk of making a product stagnate and refusing to fix flaws in the design for fear of the unknown. The tech industry has many examples of these, particularly with things like keyboards and mice that are critical to using computers. The mouse, in particular, hasn’t seen a major redesign every since its conception, even if its core form has been known to lead to wrist injury over time. It’s probably time to rethink ye olde mouse design into something that takes into account today’s needs, just like this take on an ergonomic mouse that looks nothing like your typical mouse.

Designer: Dongjun Choi

Ever since it was first unveiled in 1964, the fundamental design of the computer mouse hasn’t changed significantly. You still have a block-like shape with buttons on top and a mechanism underneath for moving the screen cursor. A few more buttons have been added on top or on the sides, but the core design has remained the same. Unfortunately, the same ergonomic problems that lead to repetitive strain injuries have also become a constant for all but the most unorthodox mouse designs.

Although almost everyone knows there are problems and limitations to this design, the industry still sticks to it because it is so familiar to people today. There are, fortunately, a few creative minds that dare to imagine something better that takes into account the lessons of the past decades. This concept, for example, takes into account the hand’s natural position, which is more vertical than the horizontal position that common mice force our hands into.

Given how we’ve been conditioned to use such mice for years, the design of this input device is admittedly alien and might even look awkward. You grip the elevated part of the device like a joystick, nestling the curve between your thumb and index finger. This idea is similar to a few other concept designs, suggesting there could really be something to this ergonomic form. What makes this design rather unique is the placement of buttons on the mouse, which is to say, there are no visible buttons at all.

There are no distinct mouse buttons, but there are three pressure-sensitive areas where the thumb, index finger, and middle finger would normally rest. Rather than being mapped to the typical left, right, or middle buttons, the mouse relies on gestures instead. A pinch would correspond to a left click while pressing the thumb and middle finger could be a right click. There’s also the option to press all three areas, which could be configured to act as the middle button.

The concept design still relies on the same optical technology used by today’s mice, so you’ll still have to move your hand around the desk to move the cursor. That, unfortunately, could still lead to injury and also needs to be addressed as well. In the ideal future, we probably wouldn’t need mice or even keyboards anymore, but that would be an even bigger leap compared to simply changing the mouse’s design today.

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This wireless mouse gets configurable mechanical buttons, packs fully adjustable ergonomics

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If you are like me who spends over eight hours a day working on the laptop, you must have – for the comfort of the wrist – been over a considerable number of mouse designs. Of course, the market is flooded with products and it’s easy to find an ergonomic, comfortable, and feature-packed mouse for your need. However, as phones become modular and our laptops are able to be customized to user requirements, it is only fitting for a mouse with an adjustable form factor to make the cut, and give us a reason to be more thoughtful of the peripheral we are using.

Aptly called the My Mouse, this raw-looking peripheral here is designed to let the user adjust its comfort, click, scrolling wheel, and the palm rest at will. A godsent idea for someone like me who is pretty picky with my choice of accessories; the modular approach and practical design allows it to contribute to a more comfortable user experience. It will give you a reason to think beyond your favorite mouse, which if you consider, is still made for a large number of users with similar requirements as yours. My Mouse however is configurable to how you want it to be – overly personalized!

Designer: Andrey Avgust

A comfortable mouse, adjustable to your requirement can have a lasting effect on your work efficiency – as your wrist and fingers will tire less – and it will help avoid repetitive stress injuries like carpel tunnel syndrome. As a wholesome package catering to comfort, adjustability, and performance; the wireless mouse features adjustable mechanical switches and packs fully modifiable ergonomics. All the buttons and the scrolling wheel are mounted on mechanical PCB switches that according to the designer can last for a lifetime (50M cycles each). Like the Fairphone or the Framework laptops, the switches on the mouse are replaceable and can be upgraded if need be. The easy-to-repair mouse has a small LCD display on one side to show the battery status or some user-programmable message.

To make it comforting for the user, My Mouse features a soft silicone pad on the top which acts as a palm rest. Along with the height and angle adjustable buttons, and scrolling wheel the palm rest is also adjustable to the user’s comfort and work requirements. If the design and the idea of My Mouse seem appealing to you, you can get it now. This is not a concept; the design is for sale and can be delivered to the customer directly by contacting the designer.

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Logitech’s gender inclusive headphones, keyboards and mouse are pure eye-candy but a tad pricy

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Logitech has just dropped its colorful line of PC gaming peripherals keeping in mind gender inclusivity to capture a wider audience. Dubbed the Aurora Collection, these gadgets are targeted towards users who value approachability, playfulness, comfort and of course a premium gaming experience.
The collection including gaming headsets, gaming keyboards, wireless mouse and other gaming accessories shaped-up with a chunk of feedback from female gamers. Not surprising, the peripherals are developed by a female dominant research and engineering team at Logitech G. The result, a set of PC gaming hardware draped in vibrant colors and carry an exclusive price. According to Logitech, the realization was that “we could be doing more” for pure gamers, hence the origin of this eye-candy collection.

Designer: Logitech

The Aurora Collection is prime example of how Logitech is breaking the shackles of the contemporary design language it followed for years. This new range focuses largely on gaming and not much on productivity-oriented approach. First up we have the G735 wireless headset that looks like a souped up version of the G Pro X model. The smaller sized headphones (remember we’re talking of gender inclusivity) have a white color finish with the RGB LEDs encapsulating the extremities of the rotating earcups.

Heaphones

There’s braille on each side to identify left from the right. This one is the company’s first gaming headset with the Blue VO!CE microphone technology for voice modulation. Battery life on the G735 is an average 16 hours on LED light on mode and around 50 percent volume. Turn the LEDs off and the figure jump up to 56 hours – nothing impressive though considering the $230 price tag considering the options on the market.

Then we have the G715 and G713 wireless and wired keyboards each priced at $200 and $170 respectively. Colorplay is apparent in these peripherals with the per key and perimeter RGB lighting. They also get the option for GX mechanical switches including tactile, linear or clicky; and a cloud-soft palm rest for serious girl gamers. The more premium and lifestyle oriented G715 has a battery life of 25 hours which is again not that impressive keeping in mind the asking price tag.

Keyboards

Mouse

Next up is the G705 wireless mouse that’s crafted for players with small hands. The ergonomic peripheral gets an 8,200 DPI gaming-grade sensor, two thumb buttons and a contoured thumb rest. On a single charge the cute little mouse clad in LEDs can work for up to 40 hours. I hate to say it again, but the battery life again brings a grim look to my face.

Apart from these peppy gaming PC essentials, Logitech is also offering add-ons such as pink or neon boom mics with earpads for $20, 18-inch mousepad or $40 heart-shaped carrying case for G735 headset and G705 mouse. For the keyboard one can also buy the top plates or the set of keycaps priced at $20 and $40 respectively.

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This UV sterilization enabled mouse is a pandemic-influenced peripheral for finicky professionals

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Smartphones are the most germ-infested gadgets, but the good old mouse isn’t behind in the rat race either. For people who spend a good chunk of their day on a PC or laptop, the mouse gets the most exposure to bare hands. In fact, as compared to a desktop monitor, the desk itself, or accessories like headsets or keyboards; the computer mouse has around 4,000,000 CFU/10 square inches. Apparently, CFU is the colony-forming unit representing the number of bacteria or fungal cells in a given sample.

As gross as it might sound, we never ever bother to disinfect the computer peripheral, especially when we’ve seen the perils of the coronavirus pandemic already. So, when your earbuds (LG Tone Free FP9) or phone (with third-party UV sanitizer) can have UV sterilization treatment, why not the mouse?

Designer: Hyeonseok Kang

After the pandemic, we’ve become ever more conscious about the importance of sterilization and keeping everything around us sanitized. This has brought to light the importance of keeping office supplies clear of any harmful pathogens. Hence, the computer mouse being the most prone to bacterial infestation needs sterilization around the click buttons and wheel.

Thus, comes into the picture this cool mouse which replaces the wheel with a sizeable trackpad area, and a UV sterilizer on the inside. The unique design has a removable upper section that can be flipped back and forth. Since both sides are the same, they can be used alternatively. The one on the inside at any given point in time gets the UV light treatment to eliminate germs on all the contact surfaces. As soon as the mouse is connected via the cable, the UV sanitization kicks in. In the wireless mode though, this function is not available, else it will eat a chunk of battery power.

Along with the niche functionality, the Zero mouse boasts a sleek form factor that’ll be well suited for ergonomic comfort with long-duration usage. From the sheer usability and design perspective, this mouse is already growing on me. Would I want it in my kitty? Of course, who won’t want this practical accessory after all?

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