Screen Test
By Sarah Christensen
Design Columnist
The best interior design schools may teach you about the best architect software to use, but very few will tell you anything about how to set up and use everyday equipment such as monitors. Your eyesight is providing you with a living; make sure you don't damage it.
Heads up on Monitors
- Get the least reflective screen possible, and keep it clean.
- Have no bright lights behind you, such as a sunny window. You may strain your eyes compensating.
- Remove screen reflections, whether you are at interior design school or in an Architect's office - your eyes will attempt to focus on the reflection and your architect plan at the same time.
- Don't forget to blink!
- Stare out of the window! You need to regularly use your eye muscles to see at a distance. Just like any other muscle in your body - use it or lose it.
- Take regular breaks. Get into the habit at interior design school. Nobody needs a blind Architect!
CRTs
- If brightness or contrast is too high, your screen will "flare" and lose sharpness.
- Make sure your refresh rate is as high as possible. A minimum of 75Hz is recommended, ideally 80-100Hz to avoid flicker-induced eyestrain.
- Try different screen resolutions to see which is best is for your monitor.
- Reduce eyestrain by increasing font sizes rather than reducing screen resolution.
- If your monitor has a "DeGauss" facility, use it every month or so to improve the alignment of the monitor; many monitors do it automatically at power-on these days.
- If you are in an environment where you cannot remove reflections, Polaroid sunglasses or a filter may help.
LCDs
- Always run LCD displays at their "native" resolution. Attempting to display a different resolution causes problems.
- Use DVI (digital video input) into the monitor if available.
- Only used approved cleaning materials on the screen.
- Polarizing filters don't work with LCD displays!
About the Author
Sarah Christensen is the Managing Director of QSL, a retail Internet business. She has worked for various international biotechnology and surgical implant companies including 3M and marketing a device for carpel tunnel syndrome. Computer use has been an integral part of her daily life for the last 15 years, and she strongly believes in prevention being better than cure! Sarah graduated from King's College, University of London with a degree in Chemistry and Business Studies.
Previous: Finding the Best Interior Design School For You
Next: ASID: 30 Years of Advancing Interior Design
Back to News Archive
Want to suggest interior design news or links?
