A Comprasion of Productivity for Single, Dual and Wide Screens

Abstract

Today, multiple and large displays are widely used in many different areas. In previous studies, comparison have been made over specific tasks with common applications. However, in this study, two different tasks were defined and quantitative and qualitative data were obtained by applying these tasks separately in single, dual and large displays. One of the tasks consists of an application that anyone can need on a daily basis. The other task specifically addresses an engineering field. Thus, it was also examined whether there is an effect of the task type in comparing the efficiency of display configurations. The test environment consists of three different display configurations as single (Fujitsu 21.5-inc 1920 x 1080 pixel), dual (two Fujitsu 21.5-inc 1920 x 1080 pixel) and large (LG 27-inc 3840 x 2160 pixel). Task completion times, mouse clicks, total path taken by mouse, number of window switches, and total time spent in the target window were recorded by a developed application as a dependent variable in the measurement of productivity. Display configurations and tasks are used as independent variables. The results of the study differ partially according to the display configurations and tasks. Measured efficiency criteria generally gave better results for dual display configuration. Participants noted that they were more satisfied with the dual screen configuration.