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

• Published in: PeerJ. Computer science Vol. 4; p. e162
• Main Authors: Saleem, Jason J., Weiler, Dustin T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States PeerJ, Inc 10.09.2018; PeerJ Inc
• Subjects: Computation; Dual monitors; Ecosystems; Engineering education; Human-Computer Interaction; Libraries; Measurement techniques; Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing; Multiscreen; Personal computers; Portable computers; Quantitative psychology; Smartphones; Studies; Tablet computers; Usability; Workload; Workloads; New York; United States > US; Multiscreen; Human-computer interaction; Dual monitors; Tablet computers
• ISSN: 2376-5992; 2376-5992
• DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.162

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).