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Effects of using Multiple Monitors on Productivity

Nikhil Harindranath
Nikhil Harindranath

An internal study done to understand the advantages and disadvantages of using Multiple Monitors vs. Single Monitors for UX Engineers, Developers, QCs, and Managers

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0 | P a g e Multiple Screens and Productivity Prepared on: 12th July, 2013
1 | P a g e Contents Key Takeaways..............................................................................................................................................3 1. Purpose .....................................................................................................................................................4 2. Findings .....................................................................................................................................................4 2.1. For Developers...................................................................................................................................4 2.2. For Designers .....................................................................................................................................4 2.3. For QCs/Managers .............................................................................................................................4 3. Internal Opinion........................................................................................................................................5 4. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................6 5. References ................................................................................................................................................6
2 | P a g e Revision History Date Name Comments 27/06/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Initial draft 01/07/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Review and changes 05/07/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Feedback from Naveen 12/07/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Feedback from Sanjay/Shree/PMO
3 | P a g e Key Takeaways 1. A number of studies prove beyond doubt that the use of multiple screens by Developers, Designers and QCs/Managers has shown a significant increase in their productivity 2. Many studies claim an increase in productivity by 50% to 70%. But, after reading through different case studies, it is safe to assume a minimum of 9% increase in productivity per person in their very first month 3. All participants in these studies have observed that once they have started using multiple screens they find it impossible to go back to a single screen setup, as their productivity decreases rapidly 4. The people for whom multiple screens are mandatory are the UX Engineers, followed by the developers and then the QC/managers 5. Most studies recommend three widescreen monitors, but suggest that a minimum of 2 widescreen monitors be used. It is recommended that both monitors be of the same size and shape as it is causes less distraction 6. Only disadvantages to this setup that are mentioned by these studies are the factors of Cost and Space. No other significant disadvantages have been noticed
4 | P a g e 1. Purpose The purpose of this document is to list the advantages and disadvantages of multiple screens over a single monitor. This document also assesses the improvement in productivity for developers, designers, and managers when making use of more than one screen. 2. Findings 2.1. For Developers Microsoft was one of the first to do a study on the advantages of having two screens over one. Their paper is what prompted others to take up this study. Various studies done by Microsoft and some other famous Research Institutes and Universities, seem to show the same outputs adding a minimum of one screen to your existing monitor would increase the productivity by 9% to 90%. It has been noticed that although it takes a few days for the developers to get used to the multi-screen setup, a minimum of 9% increase in their productivity can be noticed in the very first month. The primary advantages of using multiple screens have been noted as: Debug on one screen and see the output on the other. Although one could assume that using Alt + Tab keys does not take much time, a significant amount of time is lost and also it increases stress Compare two versions of the code easily it is much more effective than doing it tiled vertically/horizontally on the same screen Although, these 2 are the major advantages seen, it is observed that a number of minor advantages (like having your requirement document open on the other screen) add up to an overall increase in productivity by at least 9%. There have been various debates on the optimum screen size (some recommend a minimum of 21 inches) and the number of screens, it is safe to assume that two average-sized widescreen monitors are a good point to start-off. 2.2. For Designers It has been proved beyond doubt that multiple screens are crucial most for a UX Engineer. There are a number of advantages listed for this and there are zero disadvantages. Most studies conclude by saying that, if your UX Engineers are not using a second screen, then you are already too late and are running a loss. This should sum up the importance of a second screen for UX Engineers. 2.3. For QCs/Managers Although it is not crucial for QCs and managers to have a second screen, it still does increase their efficiency (also by a minimum of 9%). This helps them compare the project plan and the daily status and
5 | P a g e track the deliveries and milestones planned. Also, it helps them have their research material side-by-side for reference when preparing documents (such as this one! ) Fig: A common multi-screen setup 3. Internal Opinion The opinion of some people from within the organisation was collected and is as follows: To quote Sanjay Koppikar (CEO), I have been a beneficiary of this (dual monitor setup) for a long time and I know how much I struggle when I dont have the second monitor! Thats why I have organized a second monitor at home or even in US when I travel there! Shreenatha M. Narayana (COO) has fully supported the findings of this study. He also suggested that although the power consumed by modern day LCD screens is negligible, it is safer, cleaner and more profitable to depend on a renewable source of energy (e.g., Solar) for establishments that use lights throughout the day! Saravanan .M (Technical Architect) has been a part of the pilot run and used an extra screen for a day along with his laptop. He has reported that it has become considerably easier, faster, and rather enjoyable to work since the extra screen was added Rohit Kumar and Radhakrishnan .S (Developers) have also been a part of the pilot run and have been using the extra screen in developmental and support activities. They have mentioned that it did not take too long to get used to this environment. They have also observed that debugging has been made extremely easy due to the multiple-screen setup
6 | P a g e 4. Conclusion To sum up, there is overwhelming evidence to prove that an extra screen will definitely increase the productivity of the user by a minimum of 9% within a month. Please do note that 9% is only the minimum amount and yet it is not a small number when considering an organization of about 150+ employees. The primary disadvantages mentioned are that of COST (purchase of an extra monitor and the increase in power consumption) and that of SPACE (most desks might not be able to fit 2-3 widescreen monitors side-by-side). It is also noted that if the monitors are of different sizes and shapes, it might not be as easy to shift your focus between the two. Therefore, it is recommended that pilot run of this two-screen setup be put in place with a small group of developers and managers and collect feedback from them after a months use. It is also recommended that all UX Engineers be provided with a second screen as soon as possible. 5. References 1. Microsoft Research Two Screens Are Better Than One 2. Jon Peddie Research As reported by The New York Times 3. The University of Utah Commissioned by NEC 4. Pfeiffer Consulting Commissioned by Apple 5. Dubroy Multiple-Monitor Productivity: Fact or Fiction? 6. Slashdot Multiple Monitors Increase Productivity 7. Web Designer Depot Advantages and Disadvantages of Working with Multiple Screens

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Effects of using Multiple Monitors on Productivity

  • 1. 0 | P a g e Multiple Screens and Productivity Prepared on: 12th July, 2013
  • 2. 1 | P a g e Contents Key Takeaways..............................................................................................................................................3 1. Purpose .....................................................................................................................................................4 2. Findings .....................................................................................................................................................4 2.1. For Developers...................................................................................................................................4 2.2. For Designers .....................................................................................................................................4 2.3. For QCs/Managers .............................................................................................................................4 3. Internal Opinion........................................................................................................................................5 4. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................6 5. References ................................................................................................................................................6
  • 3. 2 | P a g e Revision History Date Name Comments 27/06/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Initial draft 01/07/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Review and changes 05/07/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Feedback from Naveen 12/07/2013 Nikhil Harindranath Feedback from Sanjay/Shree/PMO
  • 4. 3 | P a g e Key Takeaways 1. A number of studies prove beyond doubt that the use of multiple screens by Developers, Designers and QCs/Managers has shown a significant increase in their productivity 2. Many studies claim an increase in productivity by 50% to 70%. But, after reading through different case studies, it is safe to assume a minimum of 9% increase in productivity per person in their very first month 3. All participants in these studies have observed that once they have started using multiple screens they find it impossible to go back to a single screen setup, as their productivity decreases rapidly 4. The people for whom multiple screens are mandatory are the UX Engineers, followed by the developers and then the QC/managers 5. Most studies recommend three widescreen monitors, but suggest that a minimum of 2 widescreen monitors be used. It is recommended that both monitors be of the same size and shape as it is causes less distraction 6. Only disadvantages to this setup that are mentioned by these studies are the factors of Cost and Space. No other significant disadvantages have been noticed
  • 5. 4 | P a g e 1. Purpose The purpose of this document is to list the advantages and disadvantages of multiple screens over a single monitor. This document also assesses the improvement in productivity for developers, designers, and managers when making use of more than one screen. 2. Findings 2.1. For Developers Microsoft was one of the first to do a study on the advantages of having two screens over one. Their paper is what prompted others to take up this study. Various studies done by Microsoft and some other famous Research Institutes and Universities, seem to show the same outputs adding a minimum of one screen to your existing monitor would increase the productivity by 9% to 90%. It has been noticed that although it takes a few days for the developers to get used to the multi-screen setup, a minimum of 9% increase in their productivity can be noticed in the very first month. The primary advantages of using multiple screens have been noted as: Debug on one screen and see the output on the other. Although one could assume that using Alt + Tab keys does not take much time, a significant amount of time is lost and also it increases stress Compare two versions of the code easily it is much more effective than doing it tiled vertically/horizontally on the same screen Although, these 2 are the major advantages seen, it is observed that a number of minor advantages (like having your requirement document open on the other screen) add up to an overall increase in productivity by at least 9%. There have been various debates on the optimum screen size (some recommend a minimum of 21 inches) and the number of screens, it is safe to assume that two average-sized widescreen monitors are a good point to start-off. 2.2. For Designers It has been proved beyond doubt that multiple screens are crucial most for a UX Engineer. There are a number of advantages listed for this and there are zero disadvantages. Most studies conclude by saying that, if your UX Engineers are not using a second screen, then you are already too late and are running a loss. This should sum up the importance of a second screen for UX Engineers. 2.3. For QCs/Managers Although it is not crucial for QCs and managers to have a second screen, it still does increase their efficiency (also by a minimum of 9%). This helps them compare the project plan and the daily status and
  • 6. 5 | P a g e track the deliveries and milestones planned. Also, it helps them have their research material side-by-side for reference when preparing documents (such as this one! ) Fig: A common multi-screen setup 3. Internal Opinion The opinion of some people from within the organisation was collected and is as follows: To quote Sanjay Koppikar (CEO), I have been a beneficiary of this (dual monitor setup) for a long time and I know how much I struggle when I dont have the second monitor! Thats why I have organized a second monitor at home or even in US when I travel there! Shreenatha M. Narayana (COO) has fully supported the findings of this study. He also suggested that although the power consumed by modern day LCD screens is negligible, it is safer, cleaner and more profitable to depend on a renewable source of energy (e.g., Solar) for establishments that use lights throughout the day! Saravanan .M (Technical Architect) has been a part of the pilot run and used an extra screen for a day along with his laptop. He has reported that it has become considerably easier, faster, and rather enjoyable to work since the extra screen was added Rohit Kumar and Radhakrishnan .S (Developers) have also been a part of the pilot run and have been using the extra screen in developmental and support activities. They have mentioned that it did not take too long to get used to this environment. They have also observed that debugging has been made extremely easy due to the multiple-screen setup
  • 7. 6 | P a g e 4. Conclusion To sum up, there is overwhelming evidence to prove that an extra screen will definitely increase the productivity of the user by a minimum of 9% within a month. Please do note that 9% is only the minimum amount and yet it is not a small number when considering an organization of about 150+ employees. The primary disadvantages mentioned are that of COST (purchase of an extra monitor and the increase in power consumption) and that of SPACE (most desks might not be able to fit 2-3 widescreen monitors side-by-side). It is also noted that if the monitors are of different sizes and shapes, it might not be as easy to shift your focus between the two. Therefore, it is recommended that pilot run of this two-screen setup be put in place with a small group of developers and managers and collect feedback from them after a months use. It is also recommended that all UX Engineers be provided with a second screen as soon as possible. 5. References 1. Microsoft Research Two Screens Are Better Than One 2. Jon Peddie Research As reported by The New York Times 3. The University of Utah Commissioned by NEC 4. Pfeiffer Consulting Commissioned by Apple 5. Dubroy Multiple-Monitor Productivity: Fact or Fiction? 6. Slashdot Multiple Monitors Increase Productivity 7. Web Designer Depot Advantages and Disadvantages of Working with Multiple Screens