PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS SOCIETY 42rzd ANNUAL MEETING-1998 871 THE EFFECTS OF VDT LOCATION ON USER POSTURE AND COMFORT: A FIELD STUDY

A month-long field study was conducted to determine effects of large-screen VDT placement on user posture, comfort, and preference and to assess recommendations from a laboratory study. Viewing angles of 0 deg and-17.5 deg to center of screen were tested. Results showed effects of monitor placement on head tilt, but not on trunk postures. Total discomfort was greater at 0 deg. At the conclusion of the study, 8 participants elected to work with their monitors in the 0 deg location, 5 chose- 17.5 deg, and one preferred a location midway between. For most subjects, these selections did not coincide with total reported discomfort. Together, findings from the laboratory and field studies suggest that computer users, whose primary focus is the monitor, be provided the flexibility to place the VDT in locations of their own choosing, within a viewing angle envelope of 0 to-17.5 deg