Evaluation of Writing Efficiency When Using Tablet Computers at Inclines

Abstract

At present, owing to the convenience of stylus pen-based input devices and touch-sensitive screens, users often use tablet computers to draw, take notes, and annotate documents. The aim of the present research was to investigate, for tablet computer users, the writing speed, tracing accuracy, comfort perception, and satisfaction in terms of five angles formed by the use of an external peripheral. In two kinds of tasks (writing and tracing lines), a control experimental design with various tilt angles (5°, 15°, 25°, 35° and 45° from horizontal) was adopted. The efficiency of writing tasks and the accuracy of line tracing were calculated following each incline. Using the five-point Likert Scale, the tablet computer users’ perceived comfort and ease of use were also evaluated. The results reveal that when tablet personal computers (Tablet PCs) were mounted at a high tilt angle (35°), the writing speed was high (P = 0.028). Meanwhile, when the tablet computer was mounted at a low tilt angle (5°), user comfort and satisfaction were high (P < 0.001). The findings of the present article suggest that users who need to write or draw for short periods increase the angle (approximate 35°) of their Tablet PC to improve their writing speed. Conversely, users who need long periods of use could position the Tablet PC at a lower tilt angle (approximate 5°) to reduce the risk of any musculoskeletal disorder.