Does Using Multiple Computer Monitors for Office Tasks Affect User Experience?

Abstract

Objective To compare the impact of multiple computer monitor configurations on health and performance outcomes compared to the use of a single monitor. Background Multiple monitor configurations are used in office settings to promote increased productivity by providing more screen space; however, it is unknown if there are health-related trade-offs to increased productivity. Method A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement guidelines and adapted the best evidence synthesis. Results Eighteen studies were included in our review. There was strong evidence that implementing dual monitors is in line with users’ preference. There was also moderate evidence for controlled laboratory studies demonstrating that multiple monitors may increase task efficiency with decreased desktop interaction; however, implementing multiple monitors may also result in nonneutral neck postures for users. Conclusion More research needs to be conducted on biomechanical exposures when using larger displays. Longitudinal field studies should be conducted to determine the influence of monitor interventions on health, productivity, and well-being. All studies must consider task complexity and user positioning and should measure health and productivity outcomes together. Researchers must also consider up-to-date purchasing trends when choosing the monitor configurations and sizes for their studies. Application Regulatory bodies and practitioners can use the results to develop evidence-based monitor guidelines and inform decision-making in practice, respectively. Researchers can use this information to design future studies on monitor configurations that incorporate current purchasing trends.

Proposal and testing goals-guided interaction for occasional users

“…Recently, Gallagher et al [42] conducted an interesting study to compare the performance and impact of multiple computer monitor with the use of a single monitor. There was a strong evidence that users prefer dual-monitor displays.…”

Examining Potential User Experience Trade-Offs Between Common Computer Display Configurations

“…These curved UW displays may replace dual and multi-display configurations. A systematic review found that dual-display configurations increase user satisfaction and productivity but may also result in neck rotation compared to a single display (Gallagher et al, 2021). This is of concern because previous work has shown that the frequency of neck rotation movements longer than 4 s is associated with neck pain and neck pain at follow-up (Coenen et al, 2016).…”

“…A recent systematic review found that the experimental design of studies on dual displays has led to conflicting results for user posture (Gallagher et al, 2021). Of the seven biomechanical studies included in this review, three had their participants centered on the displays (Farias Zuniga & Côté, 2017; Nimbarte et al, 2013; Stringfellow, 2007), one had a primary display and an off-center secondary display (Szeto et al, 2014), and three did not mention the configuration (Estember et al, 2015; Shamsul Bahri et al, 2016; Yoo, 2014).…”

Posture and performance trade-offs with different display configurations

“…Multi and ultrawide (UW) display advancements have outpaced evidence-based usage guidelines that take into account both ergonomics and performance. A systematic review of dual display usage found strong evidence that users prefer dual displays over single displays (Gallagher, Cameron, De Carvalho, & Boule, 2019). While performance has been assessed in larger displays, biomechanical studies have only assessed displays 21" or smaller (Gallagher et al, 2019).…”

“…A systematic review of dual display usage found strong evidence that users prefer dual displays over single displays (Gallagher, Cameron, De Carvalho, & Boule, 2019). While performance has been assessed in larger displays, biomechanical studies have only assessed displays 21" or smaller (Gallagher et al, 2019). As a result, this study assessed the effects of display configuration on biomechanics and performance when using larger and ultrawide displays.…”