Shaping Rollable Display Devices: Effects of Gripping Condition, Device Thickness, and Hand Length on Bimanual Perceived Grip Comfort

Objective To examine the effects of the gripping condition, device thickness, and hand length on bimanual perceived grip comfort associated with unrolling hand-held rollable screens. Background Rollable displays can be rolled and unrolled to change screen size. Although diverse rollable display device concepts have been suggested, little is known regarding ergonomic forms for comfortable screen unrolling. Method Thirty young individuals (10 in each hand-length group) evaluated three rollable display device prototypes in three gripping conditions (no restriction on using side bezels, minimal use of side bezels, and restriction on the gripping type). Prototypes differed in their right-side thickness (2, 6, and 10 mm). Side bezel regions grasped during screen unrolling and corresponding bimanual grip comfort ratings were obtained. Results To improve perceived grip comfort and accommodate user-preferred gripping methods, rollable display devices should be 6 mm (preferably 10 mm) thick (vs. 2 mm) and have at least 20-mm-wide side bezels. Relative to device thickness, gripping conditions were more influential on grip comfort ratings. The “no restriction” condition improved grip comfort ratings and strengthened bimanual coupling in terms of grip comfort ratings. Conclusion Contrary to current smartphone trends toward thinner and bezel-less designs, hand-held rollable display devices should be sufficiently thick and have sufficiently wide side bezels for screen unrolling. Application Hand-held rollable display devices should be 6- or preferably 10-mm thick (vs. 2 mm) and have at least 20-mm-wide side bezels to ensure higher perceived grip comfort during bilateral screen unrolling.