Desktop Touch Screens Just Don’t Work For Us Humans
The future was going to be touch screen computers. At least that is what the experts predicted. But the reality is that touch screens for the desktop may be a small sell. The reason is that using a touch screen may be uncomfortable for most of us. In one report it states that some touch screen users eventually revert back to their keyboard and mouse.
A recent article from TechCruch states:
But the machine is still all wrong. Anyone who has used one for a long time will tell you that they quickly revert to using the keyboard and mouse. And it isn’t because of the software or touch technology – both are fine.
The problem is that you get tired keeping your hands up and on the screen for a long period of time. Touch experts I’ve spoken with say it’s because your hands are above your heart, which isn’t comfortable for very long.
Most experts I’ve spoken with agree that the problem was actually solved centuries ago. The proper layout for a desktop touch screen machine is the architect’s desk – a slightly inclined desktop that is a touch screen for your computer. With the advances in touch technology most users won’t need any peripheral input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.) to be productive on inclined desktop touch screen machine. The desk should also be somewhat shorter than a normal desk – the bottom of the screen should basically be on your lap, and you would be mostly looking down on the machine.
I have only had the opportunity to work on one touch screen HP computer that the client was using in their kitchen. I also found it awkward to use. But that is just me. As I have previously mentioned I don’t like seeing fingerprints on my monitor screen. I’m going to be reluctant to make the change since I still find the mouse/keyboard a reliable way to use my computer.
What about you? Would you use a touch screen and why?
Comments welcome.
10 Comments
zenium
October 13th, 2009
at 12:24pm
Looking down at a screen will be a pain in the neck literally!
Your neck is not designed to look down all the time.
So I guess for touch screens it is either have your hands above your heart or have a pain in the neck.
No thank you.
mhz
October 13th, 2009
at 2:04pm
There is no reason you should expect to ever have to use a touch screen. You’ll always be able to use external input if you want.
I would think that voice commands would be a much more useful area to focus on.
Touch screens are awkward in many respects if you’re trying to use your fingers. They are okay if you only need to push a button, like the digital self checkouts at some grocery stores.
For detailed work of any kind, you need something more precise than a finger. With a stylus of some type they can be tolerable, but the other comment was correct that the “ergonomic” factor is pretty big over time. For people who have to sit at a desk and do precision screen work, it doesn’t get much better than the current model. Just get a good chair.
Buffet
October 13th, 2009
at 2:34pm
For me, the optimum way to interact with my computer would be like anyone else in Starfleet – verbally. How much longer till I don’t have to touch anything? Not that Dragon stuff either. The Enterprise stuff. I can wait another year or so, I suppose – If i have to.
Ron Schenone
October 13th, 2009
at 5:12pm
I’d like to see voice commands before I die! LOL
Ben
October 14th, 2009
at 9:32am
i think that i could tilt down my touchsmart, but it only goes to about 45 degrees…
thats screwy.
Drumlind11
October 14th, 2009
at 9:47am
I’m sure that someone is going to think of a way to have touch screen while still making it comfortable. It might be a while, but still. You never know what will happen.
Eduardo
October 14th, 2009
at 10:05am
Touch screen for desktop. Advances in technology.
Austin
October 14th, 2009
at 10:30am
I think we should keep touch screens for mobile devices only….thats the only way to have it convenient.
Daniel
October 14th, 2009
at 12:04pm
I think the solution to this is two screens. One to touch on and a higher display. Star Trek did it.
Bill Kearney
October 15th, 2009
at 6:54am
The gorilla arm problem has been known about for some time. Using a touchscreen ends up requiring a lot more arm strength than is comfortable by most people. Other than in a few select instances (like presentations, industrial applications or point of sale) the touchscreen is not an ideal way to engage in most interactions with the computer. For most individuals it’s unlikely to ever offer much utility. It’s a handy gimmick, to be sure, but not enough to justify the costs to add it to a display.
Another point to consider is repeat activities and how that affects durability. Users benefit from being able to depend upon things showing up in predictable places on the screen. But this means any interaction with those functions is going to incur added wear on those locations. Just take a look at retail touchscreens and note the worn out spots. Or just look at your keyboard and note how frequently used keys like e,s, backspace and enter tend to have their lettering worn off more than others.
Touchscreens are almost as useless as voice input, but not quite.