The Effects of Monitor Size on User Performance and Preference

Abstract

Compaq Computer Corporation's Human Factors group sought to determine user performance and preference differences between a 15", 17", 19" and 21" monitor through a series of studies, per the request of an internal marketing group. The multiphase study to date has encompassed three studies. Performance data was collected on all tasks via task time on each monitor and preference measures were collected by means of various nine-point bipolar scales. A total of 23 intermediate to advanced computer users, recruited via external market research firms, participated in Study 1. Users completed a Word search task, an Excel search task, a Excel/Word Multitask and a Web browsing task. Statistical analyses of Study 1 data showed that users required significantly less time to perform the Excel search task and the Excel/Word Multitask on the 21" monitor than that of the 15", 17" and 19" monitors. Users rated and ranked the 19" monitor significantly over the 21", 17" and 15" monitor respectively. During Study 1, users' complaints regarding the high resolution settings and Human Factors' concern that this effected performance and preference data, prompted the initiation of a resolution setting optimization study based upon user preferences. Resolution settings were implemented in Study 2, which included twenty-seven users from three vertical markets. Users completed a Word search task, Excel search task, Excel/Word Multitask, Power Point create task and a Web/Word Multitask. Statistical analyses indicated that users' performance time was significantly less on the 19" and 21" monitors than the 15" and 17" monitors for the Excel and Excel/Word tasks. Users preferred the 19" monitor significantly over the 21", 17" and 15" respectively. A search vs. create dichotomy surfaced from the replicated results of Study 1 and Study 2 and suggests that monitor size has an effect upon tasks that involve the searching of large amounts of data vs. create tasks. The search vs. create dichotomy will be further investigated in future studies.

Improving SEM Inspection Performance in Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

“…The longer viewing distance tends to cause less visual strain than a shorter viewing distance does (Shieh, 2000). Simmons and Manahan (1999) reported that even though the user's performance time was similar between 19‐inch and 21‐inch monitors, the users preferred the 19‐inch monitor to the 21‐inch monitor. Therefore, a 19‐inch monitor is more suitable for SEM inspection task.…”

Effect of Monitor Size on User-Level QoS of Audio- Video Transmission over IP Networks in Ubiquitous Environments

“…Many researches have indicated the effect of monitor size on video subjectivity; for instance, see [3], [4] and [5]. However, they were studied in local environments; that is, video is not transmitted over networks.…”

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“…One study compared 15-, 17-, 19-, and 21-inch monitors and found that while participants' performance was most efficient with the 21-inch monitor for Excel and Word tasks, users significantly preferred the 19-inch monitor (Simmons, 2001). The majority (65%) of participants noted that the 21-inch monitor was too large or bulky for the average workspace (Simmons & Manahan, 1999;Simmons, 2001).…”