Performance and Comfort when Using Motion-Controlled Tools in Complex Tasks

Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Authors

The use of interaction tools in modern work often challenges the human
motor system, especially when these tools create awkward postures and discomfort (e.g., mouse arm syndrome). The question whether the trackball is a serious
alternative to the mouse was evaluated in this experimental study in terms of motor performance, usability and comfort. In an applied pointing-selection task we varied gain and task difficulty. Results showed a considerably stronger impact of gain and task difficulty on the trackball than on the mouse, especially for the high gain trackball performance slowed down. Second, usability ratings were significantly better for the mouse than for the trackball (independent of the experimental condition). Finally, while the discomfort after mouse usage rose notably, trackball usage led to an even bigger increase in perceived discomfort
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHCI International 2001 : Posters´ Extended Abstracts : International Conference, HCI International 2011, Orlando, FL, USA, July 9-14, 2011, Part II
EditorsConstantine Stephanidis
Number of pages5
PublisherSpringer
Publication date24.06.2011
Pages335-339
ISBN (print)978-3-642-22094-4
ISBN (electronic)978-3-642-22095-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24.06.2011
Event14th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction - HCI International 2011 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 09.07.201114.07.2011
Conference number: 14
http://2011.hci.international/

    Research areas

  • Business psychology - Fitts' Law, Human-computer interaction, input devices, repetitive strain injury