The effect of font size on typing performance and sitting posture

Abstract

Working with computer usually required prolonged static sitting. Both static work and awkward posture are well known as the two major ergonomic risk factors in such activity. Workstation arrangement guidelines are usually suggested based on good working posture. In this study, rather than investigating on the physical dimensions of the workstation (i.e., table and chair) like others, we look into the font size factor instead. Our research is separated into two phases. The first phase is to study the effect of font size (8 moa, 12 moa, 16 moa, and 24 moa) and viewing distance on working performance as measured by text-entering speed. Our results show that both factors are not significant (p-value = 0.464 and 0.913 respectively). Then, in the second phase, we look at whether there are tendency of sitting posture change due to the different font size. Our findings show significant difference on neck angle (p-value = 0.007) but not back angle (p-value = 0.314). Our finding suggests that there are more posture deviations under smaller font size conditions.