Horizontal vs. Vertical: How the Orientation of a Large Interactive Surface Impacts Collaboration in Multi-surface Environments

Abstract

Defining the form factor and setup of surfaces, i.e., their size, position, and orientation, is one of the first decisions made when designing multisurface environments (MSE). To support these choices, we conducted a study on how the orientation of a large display used alongside tablets impacts collaboration. Previous research involving only one interactive surface shows that display orientation changes how people interact with the display, the way they position themselves, or look at each other. Our study shows that in a MSE setting, the orientation of a large surface has a different impact: (1) it nuances previous results showing that horizontal surfaces are better for collaboration. (2) it impacts the way activities are conducted. The horizontal condition leads to more implicit coordination and balanced interaction with the large display, but to less structured work, while in the vertical condition, group coordination is more explicit and is structured around one main interactor. Compared to previous work, we also propose a more structured, comprehensive and detailed analysis grid for collaboration in MSE. Finally, based on our results, we derive recommendations for MSE design.

An Exploratory Study on Visual Exploration of Model Simulations by Multiple Types of Experts

“…The rest of the participants discussed seated or standing, but refrained from interacting. This finding is supported by other studies on collaboration around interactive displays [47,53]. We note that although most participants did not interact directly with the display, they were however actively involved in the exploration.…”

Strengthening Participation Using Interactive Planning Support Systems: A Systematic Review

“…The authors found that a maptable-based solution can provide significant advantages when multiple users with different roles collaborate in sense making and planning tasks. Finally, the horizontal setup of a maptable revealed significant benefits for group collaboration compared to a vertical setup of the same device [29,30].…”

Establishing Awareness through Pointing Gestures during Collaborative Decision-Making in a Wall-Display Environment

“…as negative awareness indicators, and i) reaction without explicit request, ii) parallel work on same activity without verbal coordination, among others, as positive awareness indicators. Building on this work, Tong et al [22] compared horizontal vs. vertical surfaces with regards to collaboration and found out that in both conditions a good level of awareness could be maintained. However, in the vertical condition participants needed to do more explicit awareness work in the form of verbal shadowing.…”