Left-handed scrolling for pen-based devices

The effectiveness of interaction with mobile devices can be impacted by handedness; however, support for handedness in the interface is rarely provided. The goal of this article is to demonstrate that handedness is a significant interface consideration that should not be overlooked. Four studies were conducted to explore left-handed user interaction with rightor left-aligned scrollbars on personal digital assistants. Analysis of the data shows that left-handed users are able to select targets significantly faster using a left-aligned scrollbar when compared to a right-aligned scrollbar. User feedback also indicated that a left-aligned scrollbar was preferred by left-handed users and provided more natural interaction.