Curved computer screens – ergonomics considerations

In recent years, curved computer monitors have gained popularity. The underlying principle of a curved monitor is to mimic the natural curvature of the human eye, providing a wider field of view and as a result, a more immersive viewing experience.

But are curved screens better than flat screens for computer use?

Degree of curvature

The curvature creates a panoramic effect, allowing the user to see more of the content displayed on the screen without having to constantly shift their gaze or adjust their head position.

The degree of curvature refers to the depth of the curve and is expressed as a radius in mm, e.g. 1000R or 1500R. “R” stands for radius, and the preceding number is the circle’s radius that would be formed if the monitor was extended all the way to form a full circle. The lower the curvature radius, the more aggressively curved a monitor is.

Studies on display curvature found that curvatures of 600-1200mm were more legible and less visually fatiguing than a flat display for computer work.

Field of view and Screen size

Curved screens are available in a range of sizes, up to around 50-inches, but at least 30-inches are advised to truly immerse in the encompassing visual experience.

According to BS EN ISO 9241-5:1999 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) Workstation layout and postural requirements the optimal horizontal viewing angle lies between 0 and 15º (area A). The acceptable viewing angle lies between 0 and 30º (area B). Area C is not easily visible; users will have to turn their head to get a good view of it (see Figure below).

Using this information, we can calculate the ideal position for screen(s), based on their size. For example, for a 34” curved screen to be within the acceptable viewing angle (i.e. between 0-30º, with no head/neck twisting to view it), it would need to be positioned at least 700mm away from the viewer’s eyes, with additional space for a stand/monitor arm. A desk depth of around 800mm would therefore be required. It should be noted that optimal viewing distance of a screen will also depend on the size and quality of the image/text (contrast, resolution, brightness, etc.) and on the user’s visual acuity.

Larger screens will need to be positioned further away for the entire screen to be viewed without head/neck twisting, but this will likely require a larger than average desk depth (exceeding 800mm deep).

Furthermore, moving the screen further from the viewer will mean that the characters on the screen will have to be enlarged proportionally. The disadvantage of doing this is that less information fits on the screen which results in more scrolling. A smaller, closer screen may likely display the same amount of information as a larger screen positioned further away. Bigger is therefore not always better when it comes to screen size.

Distortion

One advantage of curved monitors is their ability to minimise visual distortion. Traditional flat monitors may exhibit slight distortions towards the edges of the screen due to the natural curvature of our eyes. In contrast to flat screen monitors, curved screens are designed to match the curvature of the human eye, resulting in a more uniform viewing experience. This feature ensures that the visuals displayed on the curved screen appear more natural and undistorted, allowing for enhanced image quality and improved overall viewing satisfaction.

Glare

While curved monitors offer an immersive experience, they can also introduce a potential drawback: increased glare. Curved screens can reflect ambient light sources and cause unwanted reflections, resulting in glare on the display. This glare can be distracting and may lead to eye strain over extended periods of use. It is important to position the monitor carefully and adjust the lighting conditions to minimise glare and ensure optimal viewing conditions.

Is a curved monitor better than a flat one?

The preference between a curved display and flat monitor depends on individual needs and preferences. Curved monitors provide an immersive viewing experience and enhanced field of view, compared to flat monitors, but curved monitors can be more prone to glare.

Curved monitors of at least 30-inches are advised to truly immerse in the encompassing visual experience, with a curvature of around 600mm. However, the bigger the screen, the bigger the viewing distance (and desk). And if too big, parts of the screen will go beyond the recommended horizontal viewing angle of 30°, resulting in increased head/neck twisting.