Double Your Efficiency: How Dual Monitors Make a Breakthrough.

Why Two is Really Better than One.

In today’s fast-paced world, desk workers strive to be efficient and productive, constantly seeking ways to enhance their workflow. One highly effective method is incorporating a dual monitor setup. This approach not only reduces the time spent switching between windows but also allows for simultaneous viewing of documents, significantly boosting productivity and comfort. By creating a focused and ergonomic workspace, desk workers can navigate the demands of modern work life with greater ease and achieve optimal performance.

Research shows that dual monitors can increase productivity by 9-50%, with an average improvement of 42%1. The point being that it always increases productivity. To further underlie the point, 98% of users prefer dual monitors over single ones. There are not many things in life people agree on but dual monitors in one of them. Here’s why it works so well:

Benefits of Dual Monitors: Increased Productivity

1. Time Savings

By reducing the need to switch between applications and windows, dual monitors reduce the number of clicks, mouse movements, and thinking.

On timed tasks, office workers were 2.5 minutes faster with dual screens versus a single monitor2, adding up to 40 minutes in an 8-hour workday and 21.75 workdays a year that could be saved.

2. Enhanced Workflow

Dual monitors streamline workflows by providing additional workspace. You can organize your work in a way that maximizes efficiency and minimizes distractions.

Example: Graphic designers, video editors, and programmers often use dual monitors to spread out their tools and content. One screen can display the main project, while the other shows tools, palettes, or documentation.

3. Improved Communication

For professionals who rely on constant communication, dual monitors make it easier to stay connected while working on other tasks.

Example: You can keep a chat window, video conference, or email open on one monitor while continuing to work uninterrupted on the other.

Benefits of Dual Monitors: Multitasking Efficiency

1. Easily View Multiple Document and Apps

Having two screens allows you to work on multiple tasks simultaneously without the need to constantly switch between applications or windows. This is particularly useful for tasks that require reference materials or data from multiple sources.

2. Better Data Management

Dual monitors are ideal for tasks that involve managing and analyzing large amounts of data with a 33% reduction in errors noted.3

Example: Financial analysts, researchers, and data scientists can have data sets, charts, and reports open on one screen while using the other for analysis and calculations. This setup reduces errors and speeds up the decision-making process.

3. Enhanced Creativity and Collaboration

Dual monitors foster a more creative and collaborative work environment by providing

more space to visualize ideas and share information.

Example: During brainstorming sessions or collaborative projects, you can use one monitor to display the main content while the other shows additional resources or live edits from team members.

Benefits of Dual Monitors: Increased Comfort

1. Reduced Physical Strain

Dual monitors allow you to alternate between using both sides of your body allowing neck muscles rest periodically.

Example: Instead of constantly turning your head or moving your eyes to view different windows on a single monitor, dual monitors let you spread your content across two screens. This reduces the need for repetitive movements, helping to prevent neck pain and eye strain

2. Better Viewing Angles

With dual monitors, you can adjust the position and angle of each screen to suit your preferences, ensuring optimal viewing conditions.

Example: You can place one monitor directly in front of you for primary tasks and position the second monitor at an angle for secondary tasks or reference materials. This setup allows you to keep your head and neck in a neutral position, reducing discomfort during prolonged use.

3. Improved Screen Real Estate

Dual monitors provide additional screen real estate, which means you can organize your work more efficiently and keep frequently used applications open simultaneously.

Example: By dedicating one monitor to your main task and the other to supplementary tools or documents, you can avoid clutter and maintain a cleaner workspace. This reduces the mental strain associated with constantly switching between windows and searching for information.

4. Enhanced Focus and

Productivity

Dual monitors help you stay focused on your tasks by minimizing distractions and interruptions..

Example: When you can keep your email, chat, and other communication tools open on one screen, you won’t need to interrupt your main work to check for updates. This setup allows you to remain engaged with your primary task, reducing the cognitive load and increasing overall comfort.

5. Customization and

Flexibility

Dual monitors offer greater flexibility in terms of customization, allowing you to create a workspace that suits your specific needs and preferences.

Example: You can adjust the brightness, contrast, and orientation of each monitor independently, ensuring that your visual experience is tailored to your comfort. Additionally, using dual monitors with adjustable stands or mounts lets you find the perfect height and angle for each screen, further enhancing ergonomic comfort.

6. Less Clutter, More

Organization

A dual monitor setup helps you stay organized by providing ample space to display and arrange your applications and documents.

Example: Instead of piling up multiple windows on a single screen, you can distribute them across two monitors. This organized approach reduces the visual clutter and makes it easier to find and access the information you need, leading to a more comfortable and stress-free work environment.

Things to consider before purchasing dual monitors

1. Purpose and Use Case

Work Requirements: Identify the primary tasks you’ll perform with dual monitors. At Ergo in Motion the first task we complete with our desk assessments is to see how you use your workstation. Does the work justify the need for two monitors? Are you a graphic designer, programmer, data analyst, or gamer? Different uses may require specific features or specifications.

Productivity Boost: Consider how dual monitors will enhance your productivity and workflow.

2. Monitor Size and Resolution

Screen Size: Choose a monitor size that fits your workspace and meets your needs. Common sizes range from 24 inches to 32 inches.

Resolution: Higher resolution monitors (e.g., 1440p or 4K) provide better image quality and clarity, which is crucial for tasks requiring detailed visuals.

3. Connectivity and Compatibility

Ports: Ensure your computer has the necessary ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA) to support dual monitors. Check the compatibility of your graphics card as well.

Cables: Verify that you have the appropriate cables to connect your monitors to your computer.

4. Ergonomics and Adjustability

Stand and Mount: Look for monitors with adjustable stands or consider using a dual monitor mount for better ergonomics. Ensure you can adjust the height, tilt, and rotation to achieve a comfortable setup. Selecting a mount that does not adjust will often lead to increases in neck pain.

Eye Level: Position the monitors at eye level to reduce neck and eye strain.

5. Features and Specifications

Refresh Rate: For gaming or video editing, consider monitors with higher refresh rates (e.g., 144Hz or 240Hz) for smoother visuals.

Color Accuracy: If color accuracy is essential (e.g., for graphic design or photo editing), look for monitors with high color accuracy and coverage (e.g., sRGB, Adobe RGB).

Panel Type: Choose the right panel type based on your needs. IPS panels offer better color accuracy and viewing angles, while TN panels provide faster response times.

6. Workspace and Desk Setup

Cable Management: Plan for cable management to keep your workspace tidy and organized.

Space: Ensure your desk has enough space to accommodate dual monitors comfortably. Measure the available space and consider the monitor’s footprint. You will need at least 42 inches of desk space for two 24 inch monitors and 48 inches for two 28 inch monitors. If you desk depth is 24 inches or less consider mounted arms dual screen to free up valuable desk space especially if you type without an undermount keyboard tray.

How to Set Up Dual Monitors

1. Gather Your Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment:

Two monitors

Monitor cables (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA)

A computer with two video outputs

A dual monitor stand (optional).

2. Position Your Monitors

Decide on the placement of your monitors.

Ideally, they should be at eye level and the same height.

Ensure that there’s enough space on your desk to accommodate both monitors comfortably.

Splint screen space 50/50 if using both monitors equally, 75/25 or 80/20 depending on time used unequally

3. Connect the Monitors to Your Computer

Use the appropriate cables to connect each monitor to your computer’s video outputs. Common connections include:

HDMI: Most modern monitors and computers have HDMI ports. It’s a good choice for high-definition displays.

DisplayPort: Another high-quality option, often found on newer monitors and graphics cards.

DVI or VGA: Older connections that still work well but may not support higher resolutions.

4. Configure Display Settings

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment:

Once both monitors are connected, turn on your computer. Your operating system should automatically detect the new monitor. Follow these steps to configure your display settings:

For Windows:

Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.

Under the Multiple displays section, choose how you want to use the second monitor. Options include:

Duplicate these displays: Show the same content on both screens.

Extend these displays: Use the second monitor to extend your desktop, allowing you to move windows between the two screens.

Show only on 1/2: Display content only on one of the monitors.

Click Apply to save your settings.

For Mac:

Open System Preferences and click on Displays.

Click the Arrangement tab.

Arrange the displays by dragging them to the desired positions. You can also choose to mirror displays or use the extended desktop mode.

Close the window to save your settings..

5. Adjust Monitor Settings

To optimize your dual monitor setup, you may need to adjust the settings on each monitor. Most monitors have built-in menus that allow you to:

Adjust brightness, contrast, and color settings.

Change the display mode (e.g., landscape or portrait).

Fine-tune other preferences based on your need.

If you need further help adjusting monitors here are 8 ways to Improve Your Dual Monitor Setups

6. Optimize Your Workspace

To make the most of your dual monitor setup, consider the following tips:

• Keep frequently used apps and documents on the primary monitor.

• Use the secondary monitor for reference materials, communication apps, or multitasking.

• Customize keyboard shortcuts to quickly move windows between monitors.

Conclusion

Setting up dual monitors can revolutionize the way you work, providing a significant boost to productivity, efficiency, and comfort. By carefully considering factors such as monitor size, resolution, connectivity, and ergonomics, you can create an optimal workspace tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a professional aiming to enhance your workflow or simply looking to upgrade your home office setup, dual monitors offer numerous benefits that can transform your daily tasks.

At Ergo in Motion, we’re committed to helping you achieve a more productive and comfortable workspace. Stay tuned for more tips, insights, and product reviews that will guide you on your journey to an ergonomic and efficient work environment.

If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to check other articles on our blog and share it with your friends and colleagues. Together, let’s create a workspace that works for you!

Jon Peddie Research ↩︎
Dell Research ↩︎
J. Colvin, N. Tobler, and J. A. Anderson, “Productivity and multi-screen computer displays”. Rocky Mountain Communication Rev. 2(1), pp. 31 53, Summer 2004 ↩︎