Windows Precision Touchpad Industrial Design Guide (touchpad-industrial-design-guide)

This topic provides industrial design guidance for Windows Precision Touchpads. Many of these guidelines are part of the Windows Hardware Certification Kit (HCK) and are identified as such in this topic. Additional industrial design characteristics are provided as suggested guidance and reference for hardware manufacturers. This information applies to Windows 8.1.

In this section

Topic Description

Surface Treatment

The coversheet of a Windows Precision Touchpad delights the user by its feel. The coversheet is manufactured with a high quality coating and machined texture to produce a glass-like smoothness.

Palm Deck Integration

Integration of a precision touchpad with the palm deck impacts the ease of use of the touchpad. Precision touchpads are designed to be natural and intuitive interface for all users. Users should able to easily identify the interaction surface, gesture in a natural and responsive fashion, and seamlessly interact with the touchpad without having to shift their focus from the screen.

Mechanics

This topic describes the mechanics for the industrial design of Windows Precision Touchpads.

The guidance in this topic ensures that Windows Precision Touchpad interactions are natural and enhance the overall quality of the user experience. Windows Precision Touchpads are built for the user and are seamlessly integrated into a mobile computing experience.

Windows Precision Touchpads are optimized for Windows 8.1. The experience that precision touchpads provide is consistent and reliable, fast and responsive, and avoids issues of accidental activation. This advanced software experience is combined with a hardware certification program and superb industrial design to produce the ideal touchpad experience.

Windows Precision Touchpads are an evolution in touchpad hardware and software technology. This topic does not mandate specific methods or materials, but instead describes the desired end-user experience on precision touchpads. In many cases, this can be achieved by simple enhancements, such as using scratch and smudge resistant coatings. Utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques and materials reinforces the overall quality experience.

Windows Precision Touchpads are designed for mobile form factors, to be used together with touch and optimized for their unique strengths as an input modality. These devices are built and designed for the enjoyment and comfort of the user. Characteristics such as the location and size of the touchpad are designed to be intuitive and easy for everyone to use.

Windows Hardware Certification Kit (HCK) requirements

The following characteristics are verified as part of the Windows HCK for precision touchpads and have mandatory ranges:

  • Placement
  • Dimension
  • Alignment
  • Activation force

Glossary

Term Definition
Activation Force Force exerted by a user that invokes a button report
Coversheet Top layer of material overlaying the touchpad sensor
Edge Demarcation Boundary marker for touchpad sensor active area
Palm Deck Region in which palms rest below the keyboard
Right Click Zone Region that results in a right click when activation force is exerted upon it
Zone Marker Identification marker delineating right click zone

Design Recommendations for Windows 8 Touchpads