Ergonomic DSE workstation

Support of the feet: a footrest must comply with DIN 4556. A footrest is required if the height of the worktop cannot be adjusted or cannot be adjusted sufficiently. This footrest should be at least 45 cm wide, 35 cm deep, and have an adjustment range of at least 11 cm. The inclination angle of the support surface should be adjustable from at leat 5 to 15 degrees (DIN 4556). It is important that the footrests at hotdesks can be adjusted quickly and easily.
A less well-known effect of a footrest is that it influences working posture. By moving the legs forward and being supported via the feet, you push the trunk back as it were. A footrest can provide support for lower back problems and instability, literally and figuratively. Finally, the surface of the footrest is anti-slip.

Resolution, size and number of screens: When using multiple applications at the same time, it is advisable to use two screens or one widescreen.

The resolution of a screen indicates how many pixels the screen is made up of, the higher the resolution (number of pixels), the sharper the image. However, there is a downside, a high resolution at the same screen size means smaller characters on the screen. The size of the pixels on the screen, also expressed in pixelpitch, should ideally not be smaller than 0.25mm. and preferably larger than 0.28mm.

Furthermore, the most important specifications are:

• Good readability (contrast enhancement: at least 1.000:1)
• A clear image (brightness: min. 250 cd/m2, higher if there is a high incidence of light)
• Easy to adjust according to personal preference

Dual screen?

Using multiple screens provides better oversight and requires ‘less clicking’. Scientific research shows 10-15% more productivity and 33% fewer errors when using two or three screens (Research Productivity and Multiscreen Computer Displays – Janet Colvin ea). If desired, one widescreen can also be used instead of two screens.

Viewing distance: A flatscreen arm allows every hotdesk to be adjusted to the correct viewing height and distance for every user. The viewing distance should be at least 50 cm, but preferably over 50 cm. The height of the characters determines the viewing distance. The viewing distance should be at least 200, but preferably 150 times the character height (a character height of 4 mm therefore corresponds to a viewing distance of 60 cm).
A relatively larger viewing distance puts less strain on the eyes, because they need not compensate so much, however a condition is that the characters on the screen become proportionately larger (Owens and Wold Kelly 1987). The characters on the screen can sometimes be enlarged, for example, Word has a zoom in-zoom out function that enlarges or reduces the display of the active document. Larger characters are easier to read than smaller ones (Tullis et al, 1995). Smaller characters on the screen therefore lower productivity (Jaschinski-Kurza, 1988).
Viewing angle: Ensure the viewing angle facilitates a neutral position of the neck (so no obvious bending or straining of the neck). The viewing distance should preferably be as far as possible, but should create the tendency to “dive” into the computer. When using multiple screens, the angle between the outside of both screens and the center of the eyes should be a maximum of 60 degrees.

A compact keyboard, mouse, laptop stand and external screen enable comfortable working on a laptop. A laptop stand has a positive effect on posture and contributes to a higher level of comfort (Boersma 2003, Lindblad 2003). To create an optimal workstation, it is necessary to connect a 19″ external monitor to the laptop. This should be considered when working on a laptop for extended periods (over 4-5 hours a day).

Clicking and scrolling. A computer mouse is used intensively during the working day. It is important to avoid a static, unnatural postures(stretching/twisting the wrists inwards or sideways) when using a mouse. In addition, it is better for the mouse to be as close to the trunk as possible.
Excessive use of a mouse and using a mouse too far from the body causes wrist and lower arm problems (Jensen 1998, Fernstorm 1997, Burgess-Limmerick 1999, Armstrom 1994). When the mouse is closer to the body, it reduces strain on the neck and shoulders (Armstrom 1995, Cook 1998, Harvey 1997). Trackballs and trackpoints may put extra strain on the thumb.
When using a mouse, it is important to take short breaks, so-called pit stops. To do this, remove your hand from the mouse and rest your hand for about 10 seconds to reduce the tension.

The keyboard is an important piece of equipment. Good readability, logical functions and a pleasant keystroke enable effective use. What applies to the mouse also applies to the keyboard: rest the hands regularly (every 10 minutes).
The keyboard: The horizontal and vertical spacing of the keys should be at least 19 mm. There should be obvious tangible and/or audible feedback when striking the keys. A compact keyboard reduces the reach distance to the mouse.
In the absence of insufficient feedback, users tend to press the keys 3.9 times harder than actually necessary. This is a risk factor for developing lower arm and hand problems (Feuerstein, 1997, Gerard, 1996, 1999). In addition, it causes the user to make more mistakes, as a result of which productivity declines (Feuerstein, 1997, Yoshitake, 1995).
Compact keyboards (keyboards without a number pad, but with similar spacing between the keys to a normal keyboard) reduce the reach distance to the mouse (Cook, 1998), reduce strain on the lower arms, and are perceived as more comfortable than standard keyboards (Van Lingen, 2003). A compact keyboard is a fully-fledged alternative to a full size keyboard. If numerical data needs to be entered frequently, a separate number pad or compact keyboard with a number pad can be used.
A well-shaped keyboard can contribute to the prevention of problems (Moore and Swanson, 2003), because of better positioning of the lower arms and wrists (Riezebos, 1997).