An Ergonomic Field Comparison of a Traditional Computer Mouse and a Vertical Computer Mouse in Uninjured Office Workers

27 office workers participated in a controlled field trial of a novel computer mouse design. Usability, performance and discomfort measures were taken prior to, during and post a 2 week trial period. Usability was assessed using rating scales based on Davis's Perceived Ease of Use Scale and ISO/DIS 9241-9 draft standard. Performance was measured as time to complete a series of standardised word processing tasks. Body parts discomfort was measured by visual analogue discomfort scales. Workers tended to find the vertical mouse less easy to use, especially in ease of movement. Performance with the vertical mouse tended to be slightly slower. Discomfort tended to be slightly lower for some workers during vertical mouse use.