Does and Don’ts of Input Devices

The mouse comes in many shapes, sizes and with different interface features; however, good ergonomic principles when using the mouse are similar if not the same for each.

• Don’t use a tight grip. Instead, hold the mouse gently to move over a surface.

• Don’t flick the mouse with your wrist. Instead, make controlled mouse movements using your elbow as the pivot point and keep your wrist straight and neutral.

• Do position the mouse correctly. Sit back in your chair, relax your arms, then lift your mousing hand up, pivoting at the elbow, until your hand is just above elbow level. Your mouse should be positioned somewhere around this point.

• Don’t stretch. The mouse should be positioned so you do not have to reach across your desk or out to the side of a keyboard to use your mouse.

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