Abstract: This invention discloses an improved method of inputting a character into an electronic device having a database of characters including the following steps (1) selecting a character element or other characterizing symbol from a plurality of pre-selected symbols, said characterizing symbol being visually similar or equivalent to at least a portion of said character; (2) entering said characterizing symbol into said electronic device by specifying the position, orientation and/or relative size of components of said characterizing symbol by means of two fingers simultaneously tapping in an input grid; and (3) performing steps (1) and (2) a number of times such that the database receives sufficient information to uniquely identify the said character. This invention also discloses a character input device having a substantially square input sensor pad which is adapted to sense two-finger simultaneous tapping for character input.