Keyboards have gone through many changes and improvements throughout the history of computing. Early computer keyboards were based on typewriters, but inherited some of their worst aspects, such as noisy keys and clunky feedback. Over time, keyboards developed smoother feedback and quieter operation as designers realized they could re-think the concept. Now, IBM is re-thinking the concept of a touchscreen keyboard interface if a recent patent filing is any indication.

Touchscreen devices have an onscreen keyboard out of necessity. While most users prefer a physical keyboard and the feedback it provides to the fingers, many also prefer the compact design of a device with no hardware keyboard. Thus, the onscreen keyboard is a compromise, as it gets the job done, but is generally considered inferior to a hardware keyboard.

IBM has recently filed a patent for a morphing touchscreen keyboard interface that would be used in touchscreen devices. This patent could shake up the way users currently use onscreen keyboards, and may actually make onscreen keyboards preferable to hardware keyboards for some users.

The new technology would implement an onscreen keyboard that adapts to a user’s typing style. For example, if the user wishes to type with a hand shape that is more like an ergonomic keyboard, the onscreen keyboard would reposition to compensate. If a user tends to hold a certain finger in a non-standard position, the onscreen keyboard would compensate for this as well.

The implications of this type of technology could be far-reaching when it comes to touchscreen devices. As touchscreen interfaces become more and more popular, onscreen keyboards could begin to adapt more to the human being than the human being must adapt to the keyboard. This could be the start of a future where devices learn each user’s intricacies and adapts and changes to make itself easier and more enjoyable to use.