Digital Display Preference of Electronic Gadgets for Visual Comfort: A Systematic Review

Nurulain  Muhamad; Nurul Amira  Nor Amali

doi:10.18502/ijph.v52i8.13396

Nurulain Muhamad Center of Optometry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Nurul Amira Nor Amali WHOOSH Southkey, 80150 Johor Bharu, Johor, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v52i8.13396

Keywords: Digital devices; Visual comfort; Display polarity; Color contrast; Luminance contrast; Font size

Abstract

Background: Digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops are used for various purposes. The digital display quality has been improved, making it less tiring and more favoured among users. This study aimed to review the visual comfort of digital devices and the preferences of digital display settings that enhance the visual comfort experienced by digital device users.

Methods: A search of PubMed, EBSCO host MEDLINE Complete, Scopus database, Google Scholar, and manual citation review was conducted, covering the period between 2010 and 2022. The criteria were selected based on the PRISMA statements. The search mainly focused on finding the existing literature on digital devices that contribute to visual discomfort and digital device settings that provide better visual comfort.

Results: The database search resulted in 533 references via the application of Microsoft Excel. There were 28 studies included in the final assessment. Twelve studies accounted for digital devices that contributed to visual discomfort, while another sixteen studies for digital device settings provided better visual comfort.

Conclusion: Digital displays with high luminance contrast, positive polarity and adequate colour were preferred for better visual comfort. Meanwhile, smaller fonts were preferred for desktops and laptops, while larger fonts were favoured for smartphones. This study provides insights for digital display developers to learn and improve their display technology to fit the preferences expressed.