Electronic imaging workstations: ergonomic issues and the user interface.

The electronic imaging workstation serves as the interface between an electronic system and a user. Although the performance aspects of electronic displays are crucial considerations in workstation design, experience suggests that human factors in mechanical operation, software accessibility, and workstation environment are also important. Generally, workstations should have monitors arranged horizontally, and the work environment should be designed to minimize glare from lighting fixtures and to accommodate requirements for low luminance. Devices that control the workstation (eg, key pads, track balls) should be designed so that the user can operate primary and auxiliary controls with efficiency of hand and eye movements. Although many innovations in software (eg, graphical user interfaces) have allowed current workstations to be operated by users who have no knowledge of computer operations, further improvements in interactive software are necessary if such systems are to be accepted by radiologists.