The word ‘joystick’ brings to our mind the picture of games, latest technological devices, something related to computers etc. but have we ever wondered why we call a joystick a ‘joystick’?

In the early 20^th century in England, there was a man named George Stick a pilot who was allegedly known to be an inventor. He thought of a device that could help him to controlling his plane. When he came up with this device it became so popular that it was called ‘joystick’ after his name. In 1944 the 2-axis joystick arrived. The device was commonly used for targeting bombs and missiles through radio signals. In 1960’s, the use of Joystick became a wide-spread necessity not only for radio-controlled air craft systems but also made its mark in the computer industry. It was until the late 60’s where the joystick was used for video games for the first time.

Joysticks are usually used for controlling devices and are generally configured for moving left, right, forward and backward movements. There are two types of Joysticks. The first being the Analog which is used for signals incorporated in aircrafts, planes and especially spacecrafts. The second one is Digital which is the most commonly used today. These are the joysticks which are used commonly in computers and video games.

The market today exhibits various kinds of joysticks that you can choose from. Some are used for office works as an alternative tool for the mouse. But the usage has become so extensive that now Joysticks are ergonomically designed to help or prevent muscle strain in the wrist, reducing stress or pain to the user’s hand, palm and arms. These joysticks are designed with a grip allowing the arm to rest in a correct position that minimizes discomfort while doing their work.

Besides being easier to use than the traditional mouse, it also prevents your finger from pointing left and right in a conventional mouse which causes strain, also promoting a good blood circulation. Ergonomic joysticks allows the hand and arm of the user to hold in a steady position by which the hand and arm muscles are more relax than using the traditional mouse.

Joysticks are also widely used in Engineering fields called programmable Joysticks that are used for operation of equipment and controlling industrial vehicles. But the role of joystick does not stop here.

Ergonomic Joysticks are also very important to the lives of people who have health problems. In Medical field, joystick is called as the Assisistive Technology Pointing device and an ergonomically designed joystick also helps patients with physical disabilities with Althletoid or Celebral Palsy having abnormality in their movements.

For people who have to constantly operate the computer with heavy work load become victimized to very serious wrist problems. Though many don’t realize the important of ergonomic joysticks, it is always better to read about it and purchase one.