D2. ERGONOMICS
Ensure that users can interact without physical strain
Accommodating for this guideline will make sure users do not feel any discomfort when using an interactive surface placed within the showroom environment.
Description
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As with all digital displays, no matter their size, there is always a risk of causing physical strain if the content is not within comfortable reach of the user. This can be caused by a bad layout of the interface itself or the hardware being set up in a non-ergonomic way. With interactive surfaces, this problem mainly arises when the interface forces users to lean over the display in order to reach. As is easy to understand, customers do not like to interact with devices that are uncomfortable or badly adapted to the user.
Guidelines
Let the content determine screen size and orientation
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The content is what should guide the decision on what height, width and orientation is to be adapted. For instance, when displaying cars in profile, a display in landscape mode is preferred for optimal view.
Consider tilting the surface towards the user
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Tilting the display will make it easier for a user to reach across the screen and reduces physical strain. It also communicates clearly what is up and down on the display, but may reduce the number of users who can interact at once.
Allow for orientation to be altered on demand
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For multi-purpose displays, consider free focus rotation that will adapt the orientation manually or automatically in a way that suits the user(s) and content.
Consider the height of the display
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Adapt the height of the display so that it suits the majority of the expected users or allow users to customize the height themselves to minimize physical strain.