Touch Screen | Finger Stress

Many personal touch screen devices like smart phones, PDAs, and touch screen laptops can get away with using a stylus. But for most common use touch screen devices that are meant for the public, the stylus is not a feasible strategy because it can get lost or stolen whether intentionally by vandals or accidentally.

The stylus solves the problems encountered when the finger is the primary tool for interacting with a touch screen system. The most obvious problem is the stress it places on the finger itself. Our arms, hands, and fingers were not designed to be held at out at shoulder height for extended periods of time and easily tires when operating a touch screen for more than a few minutes.

Another problem with using the finger is that it is broad and cannot offer quite the same precision as a stylus. That is why when particularly detailed motor control is required, such as operating a PDA or touch screen laptop, a stylus is almost always offered.