The
Dvorak Simplified Keyboard ( ) is a
keyboard layout patented in 1936 by Dr.
August Dvorak and his brother-in-law, Dr.
William Dealey. Over the years several slight variations were designed by the team led by Dvorak or by
ANSI. These variations have been collectively or individually also called the
Simplified Keyboard or
American Simplified Keyboard but they all have come to be commonly known as the
Dvorak keyboard or
Dvorak layout. Dvorak proponents claim the Dvorak layout uses less finger motion and reduces errors compared to the standard
QWERTY keyboard. This reduction in finger distance traveled is claimed to permit faster rates of typing while reducing
repetitive strain injuries, though this has been called into question and their criticism has in turn also been called into question.