Curved Versus Flat Monitors: Interactive Effects of Display Curvature Radius and Display Size on Visual Search Performance and Visual Fatigue

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the interactive effects of display curvature radius and display size on visual search accuracy, visual search speed, and visual fatigue.

BACKGROUND

Although the advantages of curved displays have been reported, little is known about the interactive effects of display curvature radius and size.

METHOD

Twenty-seven individuals performed visual search tasks at a viewing distance of 50 cm using eight configurations involving four display curvature radii (400R, 600R, 1200R, and flat) and two display sizes (33″ and 50″). To simulate curved screens, five flat display panels were horizontally arranged with their centers concentrically repositioned following each display curvature radius.

RESULTS

For accuracy, speed, and fatigue, 33″-600R and 50″-600R provided the best or comparable-to-best results, whereas 50″-flat provided the worst results. For accuracy and fatigue, 33″-flat was the second worst. The changes in the horizontal field of view and viewing angle due to display curvature as well as the association between effective display curvature radii and empirical horopter (loci of perceived equidistance) can explain these results.

CONCLUSION

The interactive effects of display curvature radius and size were evident for visual search performance and fatigue. Beneficial effects of curved displays were maintained across 33″ and 50″, whereas increasing flat display size from 33″ to 50″ was detrimental.

APPLICATION

For visual search tasks at a viewing distance of 50 cm, 33″-600R and 50″ 600R displays are recommended, as opposed to 33″ and 50″ flat displays. Wide flat displays must be carefully considered for visual display terminal tasks.

Shaping Rollable Display Devices: Effects of Gripping Condition, Device Thickness, and Hand Length on Bimanual Perceived Grip Comfort

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of the gripping condition, device thickness, and hand length on bimanual perceived grip comfort associated with unrolling hand-held rollable screens.

BACKGROUND

Rollable displays can be rolled and unrolled to change screen size. Although diverse rollable display device concepts have been suggested, little is known regarding ergonomic forms for comfortable screen unrolling.

METHOD

Thirty young individuals (10 in each hand-length group) evaluated three rollable display device prototypes in three gripping conditions (no restriction on using side bezels, minimal use of side bezels, and restriction on the gripping type). Prototypes differed in their right-side thickness (2, 6, and 10 mm). Side bezel regions grasped during screen unrolling and corresponding bimanual grip comfort ratings were obtained.

RESULTS

To improve perceived grip comfort and accommodate user-preferred gripping methods, rollable display devices should be 6 mm (preferably 10 mm) thick (vs. 2 mm) and have at least 20-mm-wide side bezels. Relative to device thickness, gripping conditions were more influential on grip comfort ratings. The "no restriction" condition improved grip comfort ratings and strengthened bimanual coupling in terms of grip comfort ratings.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to current smartphone trends toward thinner and bezel-less designs, hand-held rollable display devices should be sufficiently thick and have sufficiently wide side bezels for screen unrolling.

APPLICATION

Hand-held rollable display devices should be 6- or preferably 10-mm thick (vs. 2 mm) and have at least 20-mm-wide side bezels to ensure higher perceived grip comfort during bilateral screen unrolling.

Curved TVs improved watching experience when display curvature radii approached viewing distances: Effects of display curvature radius, viewing distance, and lateral viewing position on TV watching experience

Although watching TV often involves multiple viewing distances and viewers, less attention has been paid to the effects of display curvature radius, viewing distance, and lateral viewing position on TV watching experience. This study examined the effects of four display curvature radii (2300R, 4000R, 6000R, and flat), two viewing distances (2.3 m and 4 m), and five lateral viewing positions (P₁-P₅; 0, 35, 70, 105, and 140 cm off-center) on seven TV watching experience elements (spatial presence, engagement, ecological validity, negative effects, visual comfort, image quality, and user satisfaction). Fifty-six individuals (14 per display curvature radius) were seated in pairs to watch videos, each time at a different viewing position (2 viewing distances × 5 paired lateral viewing positions). The spatial presence and engagement increased when display curvature radius approached a viewing distance and lateral viewing position approached P₁, with 4000R-4m-P₁ (display curvature radius-viewing distance-lateral viewing position) providing the best results. Lateral viewing position alone significantly affected five TV watching experience elements; the spatial presence and engagement decreased at P₃-P₅, and ecological validity, image quality, and user satisfaction decreased at P₄-P₅. However, display curvature radius alone did not appreciably affect TV watching experience, and viewing distance alone significantly affected visual comfort only, with a 4-m viewing distance increasing visual comfort. This study demonstrated that effective display curvature radii for watching TV are viewing distance-dependent, and less off-center lateral viewing positions (P₁-P₂) are recommended for TV watching experience. Finally, among the TV watching experience elements, engagement explained user satisfaction to the greatest degree.

Ambivalent effects of display curvature on smartphone usability

The current study examined the effects of display curvature and hand length on various smartphone usability measures. In total, 20 young participants completed reading, image viewing, video watching, calling, and texting using four smartphone devices with distinct display curvatures. Diverse usability measures related to these tasks were obtained. The four curvatures (flat, horizontally convex, vertically concave, and horizontally concave) each demonstrated both beneficial and detrimental effects; however, hand size effects were non-significant across all usability measures. No single fixed display curvature was found to be beneficial across all considered smartphone usability measures, indicating multiple curvatures (e.g. combinations of flat and vertically concave curvatures) are required from a single smartphone model rather than a single fixed curvature to improve an overall smartphone usability. Such varying curvatures are feasible with bendable displays. Comprehensive usability evaluations, especially focusing on grip comfort and image distortion, are needed when applying display curvatures on small devices.

Effects of display curvature and task duration on proofreading performance, visual discomfort, visual fatigue, mental workload, and user satisfaction

This study examined the effects of display curvature and task duration on proofreading performance, visual discomfort, visual fatigue, mental workload, and user satisfaction. Five 27″ rear-screen mock-ups with distinct curvature radii (600R, 1140R, 2000R, 4000R, and flat) were used. Ten individuals per display curvature completed a series of four 15 min comparison-proofreading trials at a 600 mm viewing distance. Only proofreading speed benefited from display curvature, with 600R providing the highest mean proofreading speed. Proofreading speed increased and accuracy decreased for all display curvatures over the 1 h proofreading period. Visual discomfort, visual fatigue, and mental workload increased during the first 15 min of proofreading. A decrease in critical fusion frequency during that period indicated increases in visual fatigue and mental workload. A short break between 15 min proofreading tasks could be considered to prevent further degradation of task performance and ocular health.

Where to put the creases? Interactions between hand length, task, screen size, and folding method on the suitability of hand-held foldable display devices

Limited information is available regarding ergonomic foldable display device forms. This two-stage study involving young South Koreans (divided into three hand-length groups) was conducted to determine ergonomic forms for hand-held foldable display devices considering folding/unfolding comfort and preference. Stage I obtained the suitability of three screen sizes for five tasks. Stage II evaluated 14 different bi- and tri-folding methods considering screen size, folding direction, and folding time. The effects of hand length were all non-significant. Screen size preferences were task-dependent; small screens were preferred for making calls, and medium screens for web searching and gaming. Folding methods affected folding/unfolding comfort and preference; outward screen and Z-shape screen folding were the most preferred bi- and tri-fold concepts, respectively. Screen protection and access appeared to be competing factors in the user preference determination process. Foldable screen size and folding method should be determined by considering tasks, folding/unfolding comfort, and user preferences. Practitioner summary: A 13.5 cm screen was preferred for making calls, whereas a 17.5 cm screen was best for web searching and gaming. An outward bi-fold screen concept with a 17.5 cm screen and Z-shape tri-fold screen concept with a 22.9 cm screen were preferred. Overall, the Z-shape concept was most preferred. Abbreviations: SD: standard deviation; ANOVA: analysis of variance; H: Height; W: Width; T: Thickness.

Effects of Display Curvature, Presbyopia, and Task Duration on Visual Fatigue, Task Performance, and User Satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effects of display curvature, presbyopia, and task duration on visual fatigue, task performance, and user satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Although curved displays have been applied to diverse display products, and some studies reported their benefits, it is still unknown whether the effects of display curvature are presbyopia-specific.

METHOD

Each of 64 individuals (eight nonpresbyopes and eight presbyopes per display curvature) performed four 15-min proofreading tasks at one display curvature radius setting (600R, 1140R, 4000R, and flat; mm). Diverse measurements were obtained to assess visual fatigue, task performance, and user satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean pupil diameter was the largest with 1140R, indicating this curvature radius was associated with the least development of visual fatigue; 600R was comparable with 1140R in terms of pupil diameter. The presbyopic group showed a 28.5% slower proofreading speed compared with the nonpresbyopic group, whereas their proofreading accuracy was comparable. For both groups, the mean visual fatigue increased significantly during the first 15 min of proofreading, as indicated by a decrease of 0.11 mm in the mean pupil diameter, an increase of 3.8 in the mean bulbar conjunctival redness, and an increase of 9.13 in the mean eye complaint questionnaire score.

CONCLUSION

The effect of display curvature was not presbyopia-specific. Low visual fatigue was observed with 1140R and 600R.

APPLICATION

Display curvature radii near or in the range of 600R and 1140R and frequent breaks are recommended for both presbyopic and nonpresbyopic groups to reduce their visual fatigue due to visual display terminal tasks.

Determining Ergonomic Smartphone Forms With High Grip Comfort and Attractive Design

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to identify ergonomic smartphone forms by investigating the effects of hand length, four major smartphone dimensions (height, width, thickness, and edge roundness), and smartphone mass on grip comfort and design attractiveness.

BACKGROUND

Despite their potential effect on grip comfort and design attractiveness, the dimensions specified above have never been simultaneously considered in a study investigating smartphone gripping.

METHOD

Seventy-two young individuals participated in a three-stage study. Stage 1 determined the ranges of the four smartphone dimensions suitable for grip comfort and identified the strengths of their influences. Stage 2 investigated the effects of width and thickness (determined to have the greatest influence) on grip comfort and design attractiveness. Mock-ups of varying masses were fabricated using the dimensions determined during the first two stages to investigate the effect of mass on grip comfort and design attractiveness in Stage 3.

RESULTS

Phone width was found to significantly influence grip comfort and design attractiveness, and the dimensions of 140 × 65 (or 70) × 8 × 2.5 mm (height × width × thickness × edge roundness) provided high grip comfort and design attractiveness. The selected dimensions were fit with a mass of 122 g, with masses in the range of 106-137 g being comparable.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study contribute to ergonomic smartphone design developments by specifying dimensions and mass that provide high grip comfort and design attractiveness.

APPLICATION

The dimensions and mass determined in this study should be considered for improving smartphone design grip comfort and attractiveness.

Effects of display curvature, display zone, and task duration on legibility and visual fatigue during visual search task

This study examined the effects of display curvature (400, 600, 1200 mm, and flat), display zone (5 zones), and task duration (15 and 30 min) on legibility and visual fatigue. Each participant completed two 15-min visual search task sets at each curvature setting. The 600-mm and 1200-mm settings yielded better results than the flat setting in terms of legibility and perceived visual fatigue. Relative to the corresponding centre zone, the outermost zones of the 1200-mm and flat settings showed a decrease of 8%-37% in legibility, whereas those of the flat setting showed an increase of 26%-45% in perceived visual fatigue. Across curvatures, legibility decreased by 2%-8%, whereas perceived visual fatigue increased by 22% during the second task set. The two task sets induced an increase of 102% in the eye complaint score and a decrease of 0.3 Hz in the critical fusion frequency, both of which indicated an increase in visual fatigue. In summary, a curvature of around 600 mm, central display zones, and frequent breaks are recommended to improve legibility and reduce visual fatigue.

Grasp and index finger reach zone during one-handed smartphone rear interaction: effects of task type, phone width and hand length

Recently, some smartphones have introduced index finger interaction functions on the rear surface. The current study investigated the effects of task type, phone width, and hand length on grasp, index finger reach zone, discomfort, and muscle activation during such interaction. We considered five interaction tasks (neutral, comfortable, maximum, vertical, and horizontal strokes), two device widths (60 and 90 mm) and three hand lengths. Horizontal (vertical) strokes deviated from the horizontal axis in the range from -10.8° to -13.5° (81.6-88.4°). Maximum strokes appeared to be excessive as these caused 43.8% greater discomfort than did neutral strokes. The 90-mm width also appeared to be excessive as it resulted in 12.3% increased discomfort relative to the 60-mm width. The small-hand group reported 11.9-18.2% higher discomfort ratings, and the percent maximum voluntary exertion of their flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, pertaining to index finger flexion, was also 6.4% higher. These findings should be considered to make smartphone rear interaction more comfortable. Practitioner Summary: Among neutral, comfortable, maximum, horizontal, and vertical index finger strokes on smartphone rear surfaces, maximum vs. neutral strokes caused 43.8% greater discomfort. Horizontal (vertical) strokes deviated from the horizontal (vertical) axis. Discomfort increased by 12.3% with 90-mm- vs. 60-mm-wide devices. Rear interaction regions of five commercialised smartphones should be lowered 20 to 30 mm for more comfortable rear interaction.

Effects of work experience on fatigue-induced biomechanical changes during repetitive asymmetric lifts/lowers

Repetitive lifting/lowering is associated with an increased risk of work-related low back disorders (WRLBDs), and fatigue may exacerbate such risk. Work methods used by experienced workers are potential models for developing worker training to reduce WRLBDs, though whether experience modifies the effects of fatigue on WRLBD risk is largely unknown. Here, six novices and six experienced workers completed 185 cycles of repetitive, asymmetric lifts/lowers. Physical demands, whole-body balance and torso movement stability were assessed using torso kinematics/kinetics, linear/angular momenta and Lyapunov exponents, respectively. Several fatigue-induced changes in movement strategies were evident. Novices decreased and experienced workers increased peak lumbar moments post-fatigue, suggesting lower WRLBD risks among the former in terms of torso kinetics. Other than lumbar moments, though, fatigue substantially reduced group-level differences in torso twisting velocities and accelerations. Post-fatigue movement strategies of experienced workers thus did not appear to be advantageous in terms of WRLBD risk.

Age-related difference in perceptual responses and interface pressure requirements for driver seat design

Due to typical physiological changes with age, older individuals are likely to have different perceptual responses to and different needs for driver-seat interface design. To assess this, a study was conducted in which a total of 22 younger and older participants completed six short-term driving sessions. Three subjective ratings (comfort, discomfort and overall) were obtained, along with 36 driver-seat interface pressure measures, and were used to assess differences and similarities between the two age groups. For both age groups, localised comfort ratings were more effective at distinguishing between driver seats and workspaces. Older individuals appeared to be less sensitive to discomfort than younger individuals. Across age groups, two distinct processes were used in determining whole-body comfort and discomfort perceptions based on localised comfort/discomfort perceptions. Whole-body discomfort levels were largely affected by lower back discomfort in the younger group versus upper back discomfort in the older group. Four specific pressure measures at several body regions differed between the age groups, suggesting distinct contract pressure requirements and loading patterns among these groups.

Enhancing digital driver models: identification of distinct postural strategies used by drivers

Driver workspace design and evaluation is, in part, based on assumed driving postures of users and determines several ergonomic aspects of a vehicle, such as reach, visibility and postural comfort. Accurately predicting and specifying standard driving postures, hence, are necessary to improve the ergonomic quality of the driver workspace. In this study, a statistical clustering approach was employed to reduce driving posture simulation/prediction errors, assuming that drivers use several distinct postural strategies when interacting with automobiles. 2-D driving postures, described by 16 joint angles, were obtained from 38 participants with diverse demographics (age, gender) and anthropometrics (stature, body mass) and in two vehicle classes (sedans and SUVs). Based on the proximity of joint angle sets, cluster analysis yielded three predominant postural strategies in each vehicle class (i.e. 'lower limb flexed', 'upper limb flexed' and 'extended'). Mean angular differences between clusters ranged from 3.8 to 52.4 degrees for the majority of joints, supporting the practical relevance of the distinct clusters. The existence of such postural strategies should be considered when utilising digital human models (DHMs) to enhance and evaluate driver workspace design ergonomically and proactively. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: This study identified drivers' distinct postural strategies, based on actual drivers' behaviours. Such strategies can facilitate accurate positioning of DHMs and hence help design ergonomic driver workspaces.

Specifying comfortable driving postures for ergonomic design and evaluation of the driver workspace using digital human models

Specifying comfortable driving postures is essential for ergonomic design and evaluation of a driver workspace. The present study sought to enhance and expand upon several existing recommendations for such postures. Participants (n = 38) were involved in six driving sessions that differed by vehicle class (sedan and SUV), driving venue (laboratory-based and field) or seat (from vehicles ranked high and low by vehicle comfort). Sixteen joint angles were measured in preferred postures to more completely describe driving postures, as were corresponding perceptual responses. Driving postures were found to be bilaterally asymmetric and distinct between vehicle classes, venues, age groups and gender. A subset of preferred postural ranges was identified using a filtering mechanism that ensured desired levels of perceptual responses. Accurate ranges of joint angles for comfortable driving postures, and careful consideration of vehicle and driver factors, will facilitate ergonomic design and evaluation of a driver workspace, particularly when embedded in digital human models.