http://ts.fujitsu.com/ps2/press/read/news_details.aspx?id=3303
In a Fraunhofer IAO laboratory survey, participants who used a three-display workplace completed tasks faster and more accurately than in a conventional one-display scenario
Employees can perform a typical knowledge-sector job much more efficiently at a three-display workplace than at a conventional one, according to a laboratory survey by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO). This is particularly relevant for jobs where digital information has to be processed very frequently, as is the case, for example, with scientists, editors, engineers or insurance company employees. Overall, the study showed that larger screen areas increase productivity ? and with the 3-display workplace all interconnected to form one desktop, Fraunhofer IAO scientists recorded increased productivity of 35.5 percent. The study, performed as part of the OFFICE 21Ž research project, was supported by Fujitsu Siemens Computers who provided the test displays and PCs.
The Fraunhofer experts began the study with a test in which all 67 people completed the same task at a conventional workplace with a 19-inch display. The experts calculated a productivity benchmark to use as a reference, based on the time required and the points achieved for correctly solved partial tasks. They then divided the participants into three groups: group 1 completed the next task using a 19-inch display; group 2 was allowed to use a 22-inch widescreen display and group 3 was given a three-display workplace consisting of three 19-inch displays interconnected to form one workplace ? as designed by the OFFICE 21Ž Information Worker?s Workplace. An example of this multi-display workplace will be on display at Intel's stand at CeBIT in pavilion 33. Intel is also a partner in the OFFICE21Ž project alliance .
The results of the experiment were amazing. While group 1 increased productivity on the task by only 1.9 percent (based on the learning effect), group 2 increased efficiency by 8.4 percent. Group 3 was extremely productive, as participants in this group were 35.5 percent more efficient in completing the task. The users? reaction was also very positive; a survey of participants revealed that the test participants in groups 2 and 3 were on average considerably more satisfied with their display system and the associated convenience of such a workplace.
