Reading Room Design

Abstract

One consequence of the transition from film-based to digital image capture, review, and transmission is the growing concern about improperly designed reading rooms and related spaces where digital images are displayed. Because softcopy image interpretation involves a more active interrogation than does hardcopy reading, it poses a greater reliance on a properly designed reading environment. Ramifications of poorly designed space and user interface include reduced interpretation speed and accuracy as well as job-related injuries including headaches, repetitive stress injuries, and fatigue.

Self-Assessment Questions

• 1. What is the most important furniture consideration?

  • a. Visibility

  • b. Sterility

  • c. Adjustability

  • d. Sustainability

  • e. None of the above

• 2. Which of these is not an ergonomic design consideration?

  • a. Where eyes meet the monitor

  • b. Where hands and fingers meet the input device

  • c. Where body rests against chair

  • d. Where ears meet the door

  • e. None of the above

• 3. What type of light is not recommended for reading rooms?

  • a. Fluorescent

  • b. Incandescent

  • c. Halogen

  • d. LED

  • e. None of the above

• 4. What surface in the reading room has the greatest influence on sound transmission?

  • a. The door

  • b. The window

  • c. The wall

  • d. The ceiling

  • e. None of the above

• 5. What amount of light is ideal for a reading room?

  • a. Complete darkness for image viewing

  • b. As bright as the monitors

  • c. Daylight only

  • d. An adjustable variety of light sources

  • e. B and D

• 6. Which of these is not one of the benefits of spatial separation in the reading room environment?

  • a. Visual privacy

  • b. Acoustic privacy

  • c. Ability to work independently with minimal distractions

  • d. Less space for collaborating with others

  • e. None of the above

• 7. Which of these are ways of providing acoustic control within a shared reading room?

  • a. Sound absorbing materials for wall, floor, and ceiling finishes

  • b. Sound masking systems

  • c. Ceiling design

  • d. All of the above

  • e. None of the above

• 8. What are some of the ramifications of poorly designed space and user interface?

  • a. Reduced interpretation speed

  • b. Reduced accuracy

  • c. Job-related injuries

  • d. All of the above

  • e. None of the above

• 9. What is one of the causes of veiling glare?

  • a. The room’s color and tonal value

  • b. Ergonomic chairs

  • c. Air conditioning

  • d. All of the above

  • e. None of the above