User Interface Biomechanics

Abstract

Understanding the biomechanical impact of user interfaces (UI) is a necessary first step to developing UI design heuristics capable of controlling biomechanical risks related to computer work. The goal of the study reported here is to create a self-report measure sensitive enough for use when evaluating the ergonomic risks of UI interaction. The measure will be based on measures already validated for use on other jobs. Participants completed two different computer-based tasks (clicking and typing) using a higher load input method (direct - touch screen) and a lower load input method (indirect - keyboard and mouse). After each task participants completed modified versions of existing ergonomic risk assessment measures. Overall, the self-report measures used were sensitive enough for participants to identify higher discomfort, effort and exertion with the direct input method. Interestingly, interactions between task, input method, and body region were found for discomfort with the discomfort of the direct input being higher for clicking than typing and this effect was more distinct on the shoulder and upper arms than the lower arms and wrist.