Findings of Web Browsing Study

The Ergonomics of Web Browsing

Millions of people "surf" the Web every day, yet this kind of leisure computer activity is rarely the focus of the ubiquitous ergonomic workstation evaluation. Web users are provided with an opportunity to vary their postures outside of those that have been historically observed and recommended for keyboard-based data entry tasks, largely because they are de-coupled from the keyboard and desktop, and often must wait for Web sites to load. At issue is whether these postures allow users to minimize their exposure to computer-related injuries. The answer is both "yes" and "no."

Interface Analysis Associates (www.interface-analysis.com), a Bay Area California Human Factors and Ergonomics consulting firm, recently completed a study designed to identify and classify the general types of postures assumed during Internet (Web) browsing tasks and to compare these postures to those assumed during conventional text-entry (typing) tasks. The study was conceived by Dr. Anthony D. Andre, Principal of Interface Analysis and an Adjunct Professor of Human Factors/Ergonomics at San Jose State University, and was co-designed and conducted by Jeff English, as past graduate student in the SJSU HF/E program.

Download the full version here (PDF).

Twenty-four participants were observed while performing various Web and typing tasks on a standard computer workstation. Across all postural measures, there were many instances where Web browsing postures differed in kind or frequency from typing postures. Further, there were postural variances attributed to the different requirements of the three Web tasks (searching vs. learning vs. free-form browsing). The main findings are presented below:

At-risk postures during web browsing:

1. Placement of non-mousing (e.g., left) elbow on chair armrest or workstation desk, resulting in direct contact pressure.

2. Web browsing supported more relaxed (reclined) whole body postures, but at the same time resulted in 1) greater extension of the arm and shoulder to reach the mouse, 2) an increased probability of planting at the wrist, and 3) greater wrist deviations.

3. When attempting to read text, or to study Web page content, participants often leaned forward or to the side (of the non-mousing hand).

4. While some participants took advantage of the inherent "waiting" periods that accompany Web browsing, the majority of participants kept their hand on the mouse even when they were not actively mousing.

Beneficial postures during web browsing:

Participants changed their posture more during Web browsing than during typing.
Participants adopted more relaxed whole-body postures and took the opportunity to relax their non-mousing arm during Web browsing tasks.
Participants occasionally took the opportunity to relax their mousing hand/arm while waiting for pages to connect or load.

Web Posture Guidelines:

While waiting for pages to connect or load, change your body posture, relax your arms at the side of your body, or better yet, stand up and stretch. Don’t hold the mouse, or hover over the keyboard when you don’t have to.
Be careful not to plant the elbow of the non-mousing arm on the armrest or desktop; instead, allow that arm to hang at the side of your body or relax in your lap.
If you adopt a reclined posture while Web browsing, consider moving your mouse closer to your body.
Take advantage of the flexibility afforded by Web browsing to vary your postures—try not to remain in any one posture for too long.
Time flies when your having fun, so be careful not to spend too much time surfing the Web as a form of entertainment. We spend enough time on our computers performing work-related tasks. Remember that the "R" in RSI stands for repetitive.

We conclude that the postures adopted by computer users while performing Web browsing tasks can be classified as both beneficial and detrimental towards the development of CTDs and RSIs. The results of this study will be presented at the upcoming HFES conference in Houston, TX. For more information, contact Dr. Anthony Andre via email at: andre@interface-analysis.com

Download the full version here (PDF).

Note:

Jeff English is currently a User Experience Manager for PeopleSoft in Pleasanton, CA. His website is http://userviews.com and can be reached via email at jeff@userviews.com

HOME | Company | People | User Interface Design | Usability Evaluation | Workplace Ergonomics | Portfolio