Cm. Sommerich et al., Effects of computer monitor viewing angle and related factors on strain, performance, and preference outcomes, HUMAN FACT, 43(1), 2001, pp. 39-55
A model of visual and musculoskeletal strain associated with computer monit
or placement was developed. The main premise of which is that monitor place
ment decisions must take into consideration development of both visual and
musculoskeletal strains. Certain factors in the model that were thought to
affect one or both types of strain, or that were considered important to ru
le out for effect, were tested in a lab setting. These factors were viewing
angle (eye level, midlevel, low level), monitor size (14 in., 19 in.), key
board familiarity (touch typist, nontouch typist), and task (reading, mousi
ng, typing). Outcomes included indicators of visual and musculoskeletal str
ain, preference, and performance. Muscle activity was generally greater for
the low viewing angle, for the standard monitor (14 in.), and for non-touc
h typists. Participants preferred the midlevel placement. Task performance
was slightly diminished with eye-level placement. Results are interpreted i
n relation to the model and to several hypotheses that were formed to focus
the inquiry. Actual or potential applications of this research include mon
itor placement decisions in the design or modification of computer workstat
ions.