Getting the right ambience
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From seating to space, a little planning should go into a comfortable workstation
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— Photo: S. Mahinsha
At ease: Everything, from chair to lighting, counts.
Immediate environment has a very important influence when one’s work revolves around a computer. Aesthetics plays significant role in adding to the computing experience.
Right from work station layout to lighting and air-conditioning, to ambience of the room, everything has to be taken into account while planning a space for the PC.
Layout of the workstation is crucial as it determines the positioning of computing equipment.
For instance, if the keyboard is placed in an awkward position, then the user will have to compromise the hand positioning, which in turn will have a direct impact on the overall seating arrangement. The idea is to minimize discomfort.
Seating is one of the major issues hounding PC users. Therefore a good chair that supplements a perfect seating position is required for those who are constantly working on the PC. While selecting a chair, one should see that its height can be adjusted so that the user is seated at perfect elevation while using the system.
Moreover, the chair should allow one to place their feet comfortably on the floor. If the operator is short, then it is advisable to adjust the height of the chair or use a foot rest. Else, with all the weight put against the underside of the thighs, the user will find it difficult to sit for long. One of the important factors is that the chair should provide lower back support and good arm rests. Also, one can use a pillow for resting the lower back to increase support.
Flow of light
Lighting is another aspect when it comes to choosing a suitable environment. It is most important to consider the positioning of windows and lighting.
One must see to it that there is no glare on the computer screen, else vision of the user is disturbed.
“There should not be any source of hindrance to the user and one of the major concerns is light. Even with normal lighting in rooms, the positioning of lights is important as one does not want any reflection of light falling on the screen, which happens most of the time. Therefore it is better that one considers the room dynamics before placing light sources,” informs B.J. Kalyan, an architect.
Placing a computer beneath a row of overhead lights can do the trick.
There would not be much glare on the screen and the room remains brightly lit up as well. As for light from windows, it’s better if one uses curtains or blinds to cut off outside light.
When it comes to cooling, air-conditioning will serve the purpose if there is abundant activity in spaces surrounding the PC.
“Generally, lower the temperature, the better it is and one has to make sure that the computer fans are working. Air-conditioning can be used when the computer is continuously operational. If it gets too hot, the computer might shut down by itself,” says Kishore Kumar, a Computer Science graduate.
ABHIJIT DEV KUMAR
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