Dual Monitors
We investigated the productivity of office employees using one vs. two monitors. We found that dual monitors had advantages, depending on the circumstances. The best benefits seem to occur when:
- Tasks are complex and mentally demanding
- Tasks require synthesizing large and varied sources of information
- The user's role primarily relies on technical applications over common office software applications
- The user has a lot of experience with the tools and tasks
Our Approach
We conducted two Human Factors experiments.The first study examined dual monitor experience (experts and novices) and monitors available (one vs. two) to perform ordinary office tasks with typical applications. Time was the primary measure, however, did not show many differences. However, secondary workload factors did appear to impact productivity.
A second study was conducted that examined different job roles (dev, product management, tech writer) and monitors available (one vs. two) to perform "intense" tasks integral to each job role. We measured time and a variety of productivity and workload measures. The results showed clear advantages for certain types of users for dual monitors. However, product management did not show many advantages. Post test interviews found that they relied primarily on general office applications like the first test.
Delivering Value
Provided clear conditions where dual monitors would benefit Cisco's employee productivity
Savings calculations showed Cisco could save millions of $ across a fiscal year by selectively providing dual monitors to employees.
Nearly everyone subjectively preferred dual monitors by a large margin. Some users cited potential repetitive strain benefits by lessening repeat work.Our results offered some support for this important realization, but was not investigated directly.
Proved the value of advanced experimental design over simple usability tests to address more involved company decisions.