ToeTapText is an assistive technology project that reimagines the keyboard for individuals who type with their feet. It demonstrates that the most powerful solutions don't require complex technology. Designed as a study in low-tech, high-impact design, ToeTapText addresses the significant ergonomic challenges faced by foot typists.

For individuals who type with their feet, finding an ergonomic setup is nearly impossible using standard, off-the-shelf products. Our collaborator, Jessica, had created a clever workaround using a laptop stand and a support box. While functional, this makeshift setup came with daily compromises and ongoing frustration.

Our challenge was to closely examine the pain points of this setup and design a dedicated, user-centered solution from the ground up.

The Challenge: Beyond a Makeshift Solution

We focused on two core issues:

• Instability: The stand was too narrow to properly support a full keyboard. Pressing keys along the edges — particularly the number pad — caused the entire setup to shift or tip, breaking concentration and flow.

• Blocked Access: A front lip, originally intended to hold a laptop in place, obstructed the bottom row of keys. This made it difficult to reach essential keys like the space bar and command, leading to awkward foot positioning and reduced efficiency.

Our goal was to design a low-tech, high-impact system that replaced the improvised setup with something stable, accessible, and truly ergonomic — tailored to the needs of foot typists.

ketch of the laptop stand at a 1/3 angle	Sketch of the laptop stand side view, showing keyboard and the lip of the stand
Image of the actual setup showing part of the stand and the mouse pad	A sketch of the setup with the stand, a box used for support and a mouse pad used for padding
Actual image of jessica using the setup and typing with her feet	A sketch of the setup highlighting all essential components and feet placement

After a process of exploration and close collaboration with users, we developed the ToeTapText system — a simple, three-part solution that makes typing with your feet a much better experience. This design directly tackles the main problems we discovered early on: instability, blocked keys, and poor ergonomic support.

The system is made up of three straightforward components that work together smoothly:

Custom Keyboard Stand: A sturdy stand built to fit a keyboard perfectly. It provides the right ergonomic angle for comfortable use while keeping every key easily accessible without any obstruction.

Contoured Heel Rest: A thoughtfully shaped support that cradles the heel and arch of the foot. This small addition offers important stability and allows natural movement, making typing more comfortable and less tiring.

Tactile Key Overlays: Simple, textured overlays for the keys that give crucial sensory feedback. This low-tech feature helps users type more confidently and accurately — all without needing batteries or software.

ToeTapText shows how thoughtful, uncomplicated design can have a big impact. By focusing on the real needs of users, we created a solution that’s both accessible and genuinely improves daily life.