The effect of a feedback signal in a computer mouse on hovering behaviour, productivity, comfort and usability in a field study.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a tactile feedback signal on hovering behaviour, productivity, usability and comfort after 1 week of using an experimental mouse. In a randomized controlled trial, a regular computer mouse was compared to a new developed mouse with a tactile, vibrating feedback signal to prevent unnecessary hovering above the computer mouse. According to this study, participants do decrease their hovering behaviour when using a mouse with tactile feedback. Furthermore, the mouse with tactile feedback did not influence productivity. Usability was rated somewhat mixed. The use of a mouse with a tactile vibrating feedback signal seems promising for preventing neck, shoulder and arm complaints. Further research is needed to study long-term effects on (prevention of) neck, shoulder and arm complaints and development of learning effects.
De Kraker
Heleen
H
TNO Quality of Life, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. heleen.dekraker@tno.nl
De Korte
Elsbeth M
EM
Van Mil
Ferry L K
FL
Rijs
Bartjan P
BP
Bongers
Paulien M
PM
D000328:Adult; D004526:Efficiency; D030141:Feedback, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011187:Posture; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014732:Vibration; D017132:Workplace