JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Prolonged time of computer use increased the prevalence of ocular problems including eyestrain, tired eyes, irritation, redness, blurred vision, and double vision, collectively referred to as computer vision syndrome. Approximately 70 percent of computer users have vision-related problems. To design the effective screen intervention for preventing or improving computer vision syndrome, we must understand the effective interfaces of computer-based intervention (CBI).

Objective:

In this study, we aim to explore the interface elements of computer-based intervention for computer vision syndrome to set design guidelines based on pros/cons of each interface element.

Methods:

We conducted iterative user study to achieve our research goal. First, we conducted workshop to evaluate overall interface elements that are included in the previous systems for computer vision syndrome (N=7). Second, we designed and deployed our prototype LiquidEye with the multiple interface options to the users in the wild (N=11). Participants used LiquidEye for 14 days and during these period, we collected participants’ daily log (N=680). Also, we conducted pre and post survey and post-hoc interviews to explore how each interface element affects system acceptability.

Results:

We have collected 19 interface elements for designing intervention system for CVS from the workshop, then, deployed our first prototype LiquidEye. After deployment of LiquidEye, we conducted multiple regression analysis with the user data log to analyze significant elements affecting user participation of the LiquidEye. The significant elements include instruction page of eye rest strategy (P<.05), goal setting of resting period (P<.01), compliment page after user complete the resting (P<.0.001), middle-size popup window(P<.05), and symptom-like visual affect that alarms eye resting time (P<.0.005).

Conclusions:

We suggest design implications to consider when designing CBI for computer vision syndrome. The sophisticated design of the customizing interface can make it possible for users to use the system more interactively which results in higher engagement and management of eye condition. There are important technical challenges still to address, but given the fact that this study has been able to sort out various factors related to computer-based intervention, it is expected to contribute greatly to the research of various CBI designs in the future.