You are right on target here, Cambria. QWERTY keyboards were designed as they are because someone figured out the most efficient to have the letters that are used most often in the place where they can be reached more easily. Nowadays we never even think about the fact that when someone talks about "the keyboard" we all immediately know what they are referring to and what order the letters will be in, so that we can sit down at ANY keyboard, even if you've never seen the computer, and type. Let's take it one step further. What about common FUNCTIONS across hardware and software. When you look at a keyboard that has keys marked "delete" or "shift" or a set of four arrows facing in four directions, even though they may be configured differently, you know what those keys will do without having to press them to find out. THAT is Universal Design at its best!
Dr. Jane Jarrow