These research topics are of current interest to OERC during 2010
- What are the effects of gestures on touch screens, for example, productivity, biomechanics, with touch screens/displays/pads and appropriate placement with mixed use?
- What are the biomechanical effects of short-to-no travel (<3 mm) keys? Is there an effect (biomechanics, perceived discomfort, and/or productivity) associated with changes in key pitch (in x or y dimension)? What are the effects of virtual keyboards vs. mechanical keyboards on productivity and biomechanical risk exposures?
- In light of research supporting possible benefits to forearm support as an alternative to floating arm postures, what situations, body types, work patterns, etc. would benefit from forearm support, and which types of forearm support (e.g. forearm support boards, armrests, swiveling forearm supports, desk surface) have the best ROI considering user adoption, cost and efficacy at reducing injury risk.
- What are the ergonomic considerations/implications for users who work in alternative work scenarios such as Mobile workers (workers without desks in a traditional workplace or “road warrior” workers, etc.), “open” workplace designs, reduced-size cubicles, etc.?
- What are the biomechanical loads and/or perceived discomfort of different pointing devices, use of multiple input devices, alternative input methods (shortcut keys, switching hands), and accessible software solutions? Is there an impact on productivity?
- How does the use of notebooks / mobile devices in non-desk settings (couch, bed, café, meeting room, etc.), impact performance, productivity, and objective and subjective biomechanical and visual comfort and what are the portable ergonomic accessories acceptable to notebook / mobile device computer users, what are the usage patterns associated with those accessories and what impact do those accessories have on subjective and objective biomechanical and visual comfort, performance and productivity of notebook / mobile device users of all ages?
- What are the usage patterns (how, when, where and for how long) associated with mobile device use? What advice can be offered to mobile device users (e.g. laptops, handhelds) regarding good ergonomic practices (similar to standard office ergonomics programs) in office and non-office (home, hotel, airplane) settings?
- What are the ergonomic implications of new lighting technologies, such as more energy-efficient lighting (e.g. LED); is there a perceived impact (e.g. perceived color, visual fatigue, glare, etc.)?
- In light of research that indicates substantial benefits to regular rotation of tasks/breaks taken from computer use, what methods (e.g. scheduled breaks, timed software reminders, activity-based reminders, etc.) are most effective at achieving the benefits?
- What is the effect of the use of multiple displays, touch screens, and/or 3D displays on subjective and objective biomechanical and visual comfort, performance, and productivity of computer users of various ages?