Abstract
Use of visual display terminals has been implicated as a risk factor in visual discomfort. With the progression of new technology, larger CRT monitors and alternate display technologies, such as flat panels, are entering the office environment. Few studies have evaluated the impact of these newer, larger monitors on important factors such as visual issues, user posture, user preferences, and productivity. This study attempts to investigate the effects of monitor size, viewing angle and viewing distance on posture, blink rate, productivity, user preference, and monitor readability. Three monitor sizes were studied: 17" CRT, 21" CRT, and 19" FP. Three viewing angles were evaluated: 0°, 10°, and 20°. Two viewing distances were studied: 30" and 37". Seventeen subjects performed two tasks (keyboarding and mousing) in each combination of monitor size, viewing angle, and viewing distance. Part of the experiment included allowing subjects to adjust their workstation and perform the tasks in the adjusted position. As viewing angle increased, the rate of blinking significantly increased. The monitors received significantly better readability ratings at the 30" viewing distance. Users preferred the 30" viewing distance with all monitors. Subjects were most productive in both the keyboarding and mousing tasks at the 20° viewing angle and the 30" viewing distance. When subjects were allowed to adjust their workstations, a viewing angle of approximately 20° and a viewing distance of a little over 30" was chosen for both the 19" FP and the 21" CRT.
Walline, Erin Kurusz (1999). A comparison of workstation dimensions and body postures between 17" CRT, 21" CRT, and 19" flat panel monitors. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1999 -THESIS -W144.