Performance, workload, and usability in a multiscreen, multi-device, information-rich environment

Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Center for Ergonomics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
DOI
10.7287/peerj.preprints.26826v1
Subject Areas
Human-Computer Interaction, Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
Keywords
Multiscreen, Dual monitors, Tablet computers, Human-computer interaction
Copyright
© 2018 Saleem et al.
Licence
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, reproduction and adaptation in any medium and for any purpose provided that it is properly attributed. For attribution, the original author(s), title, publication source (PeerJ Preprints) and either DOI or URL of the article must be cited.
Cite this article
Saleem JJ, Weiler DT. 2018. Performance, workload, and usability in a multiscreen, multi-device, information-rich environment. PeerJ Preprints 6:e26826v1

Abstract

Potential benefits of multiscreen and multiple device environments were assessed using three different computing environments. A single factor, within-subject study was conducted with 18 engineering students in a laboratory experiment. Three levels for the computing environment factor included one with a desktop computer with a single monitor (control, condition A); one with a desktop with dual monitors, as well as a single tablet computer (condition B); and one with a desktop with a single monitor, as well as two tablet computers (condition C). There was no statistically significant difference in efficiency or workload when completing scenarios for the three computing environments. However, a dual monitor desktop with a single tablet computer (B) was the ideal computing environment for the information-rich engineering problem given to participants, supported by significantly fewer errors compared to condition C and significantly higher usability ratings compared to conditions A and C. A single desktop monitor with two tablet computers (C) did not provide any advantage compared to a single desktop monitor (A).

Author Comment

This is a submission to PeerJ Computer Science for review.

Supplemental Information

Appendix A - Flow Process Chart, Front Tire Carrier

DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.26826v1/supp-2

Appendix B - Flow Process Chart, Jackman

DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.26826v1/supp-3

Appendix C - Flow Process Chart, Rear Tire Carrier

DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.26826v1/supp-4

Appendix D - Debrief Interview Questions

DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.26826v1/supp-5

Appendix E - CSUQ Questionnaire

DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.26826v1/supp-6