Ergonomic Analysis of the Cornell Library Collaborative Learning Computer Laboratory Project conducted by DEA 470 (Ian Colahan; Iris Dulay; Jessica Elias; Yachen Hwang; Kaori Ito; Jennifer Kim; Erin Lawler; Chiu Wah Jodi Lee; Elizabeth Popolo, Xin Wang) Under the supervision of Professor Alan Hedge and Melissa Braun Spring 2006

Overview of Presentation: Our three main interests in CL 3 Our three main interests in CL 3 –The physical arrangement and ambient environment as it relates to the intent of CL 3 –The dynamics of collaboration in CL 3 –The preferences of current users in CL 3

Environment of CL 3

Physical Arrangement of CL 3 Dimensions of the station Dimensions of the station 2.3ft 2.2 ft Adjustable Min: 1.3ft Max: 1.7ft 1.6ft 1.4ft STANDARD REQUIREMENTS Desk height: 2.3ft-2.5ft above the floor Chair height: 1.3ft - 1.7ft above the floor Leg room: 2.5ft wide by 1.6ft deep by 2.25ft high Work area top: 2.5ft by 5ft Top of monitor casing 2-3 inches above eye level

Physical Arrangement of CL 3 Various sitting arrangements Various sitting arrangements 1) Facing forwards and looking at both screens 95% man 5% woman

Physical Arrangement of CL 3 2) Sitting to one side and looking forwards 95% man 5% woman Top view Front view

Physical Arrangement of CL 3 3) Sitting to one side and rotate to look at the screens at an angle 95% man5% woman Monitors angled at 45 degrees

Physical Arrangement of CL 3

Survey Results (n=57) Ability to customize work area by moving chairs, tables, and computers Ability to customize work area by moving chairs, tables, and computers How often do you rearrange the computer tables in CL3? How often do you rearrange the computer tables in CL3? Reasons to move table Reasons to move table –31.5% Create better working station –28% To improve collaboration –33% Never moved tables Everytime Everytime Most of the time Some of the time When I’m told Never moved N/A N/A Frequency 3.5%5%28%10.5%*35%18% Not so Important Somewhat Important Important Important Very Important N/A N/A12%*28%21%18%21%

Survey Results (n=57) If you have never rearranged the tables in CL3 before, why not? If you have never rearranged the tables in CL3 before, why not? –37% I didn’t need to –22% Didn’t know it was allowed –15% Didn’t know it was movable Would you move the table more often if: Would you move the table more often if: –30% Fewer wires –29% Easier to plug and unplug wires and cables –19% Signs instructing them to move (i.e. How to move tables & re-plug, random positioning of stations) –19% tables were lighter –22% still wouldn’t move How did you find out the tables were movable? How did you find out the tables were movable? –33% Figured it out themselves –17.5% Was told by instructor –17.5% Saw other people move –14% Didn’t know they are movable

Physical Arrangement of CL 3 Desk Moving Force Requirement: Desk Moving Force Requirement: A B C D E F G H Position Reading 1 (kg) Reading 2 (kg) Reading 3 (kg) Max. (kg) Avg. (kg) A B C D E F G * H Liberty Mutual Manual Table Pushing Guideline:

RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) Score: 2 (Acceptable) Score: 3 Investigate Further Score: 4 Investigate further Score: 6 Investigate Further and Change Soon

Sound Level Analysis The survey concluded that sound was not a problem or concern for CL 3 users. The survey concluded that sound was not a problem or concern for CL 3 users. 3/144:55PM users 4/512:55PM CIS students 1 teacher 4/112:15PM65.24/62:15PM users 4/112:20PM users 4/176:30PM81.2 CL 3 Uris Computer Lab Average sound level is higher in the Uris computer lab under all conditions. Average sound level is higher in the Uris computer lab under all conditions.

Sound Level Analysis Unless there is a class, CL 3 is relatively quiet. More talking and interaction can be seen in the Uris computer lounge at all times. Possible explanations include its open/bright atmosphere, ability for people to walk through to get to/from the Cocktail Lounge, and to the shape of the computer desks. CL 3 desks: sitting space closes in Uris desks: sitting space open

Survey Results

Collaboration in CL 3

Questions to Answer: Questions to Answer: –To what extent do people collaborate in CL 3 ? –How does CL 3 compare to other collaborative spaces on campus. In this case Uris computer area (The Runway).

Collaborative Data Gathering Methodology Used a combination of survey questions and observational methods Used a combination of survey questions and observational methods –Survey Questions provided easily comparable results and detailed data –Observations provided data on the frequency of various types of collaborative actions –Data was gathered in CL 3 and in the Uris Computer area for comparison

Survey results Group size ranges from 2 to 9. 66% of those surveyed worked in groups of 2 or 3. 16% of respondents worked alone. Group size ranges from 2 to 9. 66% of those surveyed worked in groups of 2 or 3. 16% of respondents worked alone. 56% spend ‘most of the group time’ in task related conversation. 56% spend ‘most of the group time’ in task related conversation.

46.5% spend a lot of time collaborating in a CL 3 class, 13 % in other computer labs Time spent in collaborative activity in CL3 versus other computer labs

Survey Analysis Most people do spend time collaborating while in a class in CL 3 Most people do spend time collaborating while in a class in CL 3 During group collaborative periods, there was a high level of conversation between members During group collaborative periods, there was a high level of conversation between members

Observations of CL 3 verses Uris Looked at the frequency of talking, pointing, keying, and mousing of each member in CL 3 and comparison groups in a Uris computer area Looked at the frequency of talking, pointing, keying, and mousing of each member in CL 3 and comparison groups in a Uris computer area

Finalized Observation Chart

CL3 & Uris observation result Talking, pointing at screens and papers are counted as interactions Talking, pointing at screens and papers are counted as interactions Mean number of interactions per minute in CL3 and Uris are similar (5.8 vs. 5.85) Mean number of interactions per minute in CL3 and Uris are similar (5.8 vs. 5.85) Mean coefficient of deviation for the number of interactions in two labs are 8.56% and 5.97% respectively. Mean coefficient of deviation for the number of interactions in two labs are 8.56% and 5.97% respectively.

CL 3 & Uris observation result Only 2 groups out of 7 from our observation used both keyboards and mice Only 2 groups out of 7 from our observation used both keyboards and mice Dominant use of keyboard and mouse was observed both in CL 3 and Uris Dominant use of keyboard and mouse was observed both in CL 3 and Uris Usually there are more people in Uris lab. Usually there are more people in Uris lab.

Conclusions on Collaboration Survey data suggest that CL 3 has provided an effective place for collaboration Survey data suggest that CL 3 has provided an effective place for collaboration Observations suggest that the Uris computer area provides an even better place for collaboration Observations suggest that the Uris computer area provides an even better place for collaboration Reasoning: Uris computer area has more natural exchange of information as people walk through the area, there is naturally more noise of conversations being held, and the furniture is more easily arranged Reasoning: Uris computer area has more natural exchange of information as people walk through the area, there is naturally more noise of conversations being held, and the furniture is more easily arranged

User Preference in CL 3

Why People Use the CL 3 We surveyed to find out why people come to use the CL 3 lab. The most common responses were: The most common responses were: –“Because I have to for class.” –“The lab is aesthetically pleasing & comfortable.” –“I enjoy having the option to use dual monitors, mice and keyboards.” Other reasons included… Other reasons included…

Moving the Workstations

Reasons Why CL 3 Users Have Moved The Workstations

What Would Facilitate Moving the Workstations in CL 3 More Often? Top Responses: Top Responses: –If there were fewer wires to deal with –If the workstations were easier to plug & unplug –If the workstations were lighter –If there were signs suggesting to move the workstations However, 13 respondents said that they simply would not move the workstations. However, 13 respondents said that they simply would not move the workstations.

Reasons Why People Like CL3 The dual screen option The dual screen option The mobile furniture The mobile furniture The software and hardware available The software and hardware available –Fast computers The ambient environment The ambient environment –Ample space, high ceilings, quiet work environment The whiteboards The whiteboards The availability of electrical outlets The availability of electrical outlets The fact that it is a good space for collaboration The fact that it is a good space for collaboration

Reasons Why People Dislike CL 3 The limited hours The limited hours The limited table space (for group meetings) The limited table space (for group meetings) The lack of appropriate signage The lack of appropriate signage The conflict between users who want talkative collaboration and the users who are not aware that it is a collaborative computing lab (and who want a quiet study environment) The conflict between users who want talkative collaboration and the users who are not aware that it is a collaborative computing lab (and who want a quiet study environment) The shape of the room The shape of the room The fact that the whiteboards do not erase well The fact that the whiteboards do not erase well The temperamental projector The temperamental projector

Suggestions for Improving CL 3 Provide accurate signage concerning: Provide accurate signage concerning: – The hours, the equipment available, and the ways to move workstations Provide more information on resources, software and equipment available in CL 3 Provide more information on resources, software and equipment available in CL 3 – Place info cards on the workstations, hang posters, etc. Increase the hours of operation and staffing to accommodate the demand Increase the hours of operation and staffing to accommodate the demand Inform users that this is a collaborative space and not just a typical computer lab Inform users that this is a collaborative space and not just a typical computer lab Increase the number of workstations or integrate laptop use into the space Increase the number of workstations or integrate laptop use into the space Improve printing options (i.e. 11” x 17”) Improve printing options (i.e. 11” x 17”)

Thank You