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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Multiple Screens and
Productivity
Prepared on: 12th
July, 2013

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 don’t have the second monitor! That’s 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

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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 month’s 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