Snapshot: Multiple Screens and Productivity Gains

Contributing Author
Cindy Jorgenson
Brown & Bigelow

Life before Ergotron

Because I seem to be doing 100 things at one time, I set up a dual-monitor system years ago. I knew then that there MUST be some benefit to working off of two screens. I just didn’t know to what extent—until now!

Yes, I loved viewing multiple applications on two screens. But, I hated my set-up—I was always uncomfortable. Basically, the layout of my “dual-display solution” lacked efficiency. So then … was it an actual solution, or simply a set-up? I’d say the following answers that:

Suddenly, my “view” on things began to change...

Life after Ergotron

My new multi-display workspace was configured using an LX Dual LCD Arm. I was amazed at how simple it was to install—and how instantly I went from that old “taped-together cardboard” set-up, to a solution that seemed to jump right out of the show “24.”

Having the screens at the same distance, up off the desktop and easily repositionable, gives me the efficiency I was looking for and so desperately needed. Because my new workspace is so flexible, I now use my dual monitors more efficiently and more comfortably. The extra desk space has taken me from overcrowded to the most organized I have ever been! This recouped space provides a new sense of comfort and “calm” in my office, something that is not only immeasurable, but priceless.

Initially, I had serious doubts that a monitor/laptop arm mechanism, like the LX Dual LCD Arm, would actually “improve” my work life, but I can honestly say it has!

The Trend: Transitioning from One Monitor to Multi-Display Desktops

In 2003, NEC, ATI Technologies and the University of Utah shed light on a concept that is now influencing the way computer users deal with data on their desktops: Multi-monitor computing can have a direct and often dramatic impact on productivity.

An early adopter of multi-screen technology was the financial trading industry. Seeing and assessing vast amounts of information quickly is key to success. Therefore, as early as 1998, the finance sector hardly blinked at the additional up-front investment of wider multi-monitor desktops. For them, the short-term expense equated to long-term gains.

More recently, a study conducted in 2006 by Jon Peddie Research found “less than three million currently operational systems, or fewer than 3% of all systems in use, are equipped with multiple monitors.” However, an estimate of usage today in 2008 places the figure closer to 15%.

As the jump in adoption indicates, the benefits to multi-monitor computing are no longer reserved for traders. Multi-monitor systems are invading the military, education, airline, design, criminal justice, government, entertainment and hospitality industries.

What drives integration?

When you can spread your desktop across two or more screens, you see more, toggle less, and ultimately, get more work done in less time.

And consider this case study. After equipping 500 customer service representatives with dual-monitor set-ups, Software Spectrum proudly reported:

Fundamentally, it’s proven productivity gains that are driving integration.

The Problem: Barriers to Adopting Multi-Display Systems

While recent trends show a growing acceptance of multi-display workstations, the overall market penetration is still minimal. As Jon Peddie’s research concludes: “Seventy percent of users should be using multiple monitors.”

So, if there’s potential benefit to so many, what is impeding further multi-display implementation? Let’s explore why the percentage remains as low as 15%.

While the evidence isn’t in black and white, the lack of adoption simply points to the lack of access to information, resources and tools that justify multi-monitor integration.

Some of the perceived barriers include:

Indeed, as Patrick Thibodeau noted in Computerworld, “When the IT manager asked other employees if they wanted a second monitor, few jumped at the offer … people were concerned about losing desk space or they weren't certain of the benefits produced by using dual screens.”

But the keyword associated with these barriers is “perceived.”

The Solution: How to Break the Barriers

How does one make a believer out of that other 85% still chugging along on one display?

Test it yourself: Implement a dual-monitor set-up

Factor your own productivity and savings potential. Check Ergotron’s Multi-Display Productivity Calculator. In some cases, multi-monitor integrations pay for themselves in a matter of days.

It’s easy to integrate. With modern operating systems, setting up a second display is often as simple as plug and play. See Ergotron’s Multi-Display Connection Guide.

Proper mounting of two screens can save space as well as create a comfortable computing environment—further complementing workflow efficiency. Refer to the Workspace Planner.

It is easy to learn how to be productive using multi-monitor displays. Bill Gates does it; Ivan has; you can too.

The bottom line

As costs associated with hiring and maintaining employees rise, companies must look to implementing practices and equipment that promote increased productivity and efficiency.

To that end, consider these questions:

In fact, a multi-display deployment—implemented properly—can answer these questions. Long-term gains undermine the investment; installation is usually quite simple; and flexible, comfortable solutions are available for space-constrained environments.

About the contributing author, Cindy Jorgenson

Sources