Book revieLus

Visual aspects of VDUs

'Vision and the visual dis . play unit work station' CIE - International Commiss ion on Illumination Publication CIE No. 60, 1984, pp v + 29

This publication presents a con- cise summary of the principal topics and recommendations in the visual aspects of VDU work situations. Only visual aspects are covered: while the importance of keyboard design, posture and workspace layout is acknow- ledged, no definitive recommen- dations are given in those areas. Part 1, 'The use of the visual dis- play unit', refers to common com- plaints of discomfort and fatigue in VDU work, and distinguishes the task requirements for informa- tion entry, data enquiry and dia- logue. It points out that the major

visual distinctions be tween con- ventional and VDU-based of[ice tasks are in display quality and the interaction of the display with other task components and with the lighting environment.

Part 2, 'Health aspects of visual display units', reviews briefly the present state of knowledge on eyestrain, aches and pains, head- aches, fatigue and irritability, photosensitive epilepsy and radiation, in relation to VDU work. The importance of appropriate visual and postural design is emphasized, photosensitive epi- lepsy is recognized as a specific, though rare condition, and radiation is dismissed as a cause for concern. Part 3, 'Visual requirements', presents brief recommendations for display re- quirements (character design and layout, contrast, stability), key-

board requirements (visual only), environmental requirements (par- ticularly luminance balance and reduction of specular reflection), and user requirements (accommo- clarion and colour vision prob- lems, reduction of eyestrain). A checklist comprising 43 items summarizes the salient points.

The document is a useful and compact summary of visual aspects of VDUs, and will serve as a good brief alternative to more detailed texts. Notable items are the expressed advantages of negative contrast (black on white) displays and the possible benefits of indirect lighting in reducing specular reflection. The presen- tation of the report is marred only by poor quality photographs and the duplication of four pages.

David Wlu'tfeld Central Electnc~, Generating Board,

Gloucester, UE

Reprints

Reprints of all articles in this journal are available in quantities of 100 or more.

Reprints are essential - - for the company that wants to distribute impartial comment on its activities to potential customers and clients. for the company that wants to up-date its technical staff onnew techniques and new technologies.

For full details of prices and availability of reprints, please write to:

The Reprint Department, PO Box 63, Westbury House, Bury Street, Gufldford, Surrey, GU2 5BH.

238 DISPL,~YS, OCTOBER 1985