Readability performance and subjective appraisal of curved monitor

Abstract

This study compares usability of a curved and a flat panel in aspects of readability performance and subjective judgment of preference. For the experiment, a bendable 27-inch monitor panel was facilitated that enabled users to adjust curvature manually. The experiment consisted of two parts. In first part, College students read texts and measured reading time on both curved and flat panels. In next part, students found each optimal radius of curvature on different display images. Based on the measurement, subjects read faster on curved panels. Across different images, a curved panel was consistently preferred. The study provides empirical evidence that a curved display has the potential for creating a new monitor market.