QWERTY vs Dvorak explores the curious case of the QWERTY keyboard, a layout designed to prevent typewriter jams that has stubbornly persisted despite the emergence of more efficient alternatives like the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard. This book examines why QWERTY remains the standard, even though studies suggest Dvorak allows for faster typing speeds and reduced error rates. It delves into the history and technical aspects of both layouts, considering factors like ergonomics and human-computer interaction. The central argument highlights path dependency, illustrating how an initial advantage can lock in a technology, regardless of later innovations. Network effects and switching costs play significant roles in QWERTY's continued dominance. The book unfolds by first exploring the history of typewriters and the QWERTY layout, then compares QWERTY and Dvorak in detail, considering ergonomic factors and relevant research. Finally, it analyzes the broader implications of path dependency for technology standards and innovation. This approach offers a unique perspective on the barriers to adopting potentially superior technologies.
