title: Effects of four types of non-obtrusive feedback on computer behaviour, task performance and comfort.
abstract: This study investigated the effects of non-obtrusive feedback on continuous lifted hand/finger behaviour, task performance and comfort. In an experiment with 24 participants the effects of two visual and two tactile feedback signals were compared to a no-feedback condition in a computer task. Results from the objective measures showed that all types of feedback were equally effective to reduce lifted hand/finger behaviour (effectiveness) compared to absence of feedback, while task performance was not affected (efficiency). In contrast to objective measures, subjective user experience was significantly different for the four types of feedback signals. Continuous tactile feedback appeared to be the best signal; not only the effectiveness and efficiency were rated reasonable, it also scored best on perceived match between signal and required action. This study shows the importance of including user experiences when investigating usability of feedback signals. Non-obtrusive feedback embedded in products and environments may successfully be used to support office workers to adopt healthy, productive and comfortable working behaviour.
authors: TNO Work & Employment, P.O. Box 718, 2130 AS Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. elsbeth.dekorte@tno.nl
authors: Elsbeth M
authors: EM
authors: de Korte
authors: Maaike A
authors: MA
authors: Huysmans
authors: Annelise M
authors: AM
authors: de Jong
authors: Josine G M
authors: JG
authors: van de Ven
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Ruijsendaal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult