XOOT_Pro Ergonomic Goals
- Make the screen very easy to move.
- Hold the screen stable while drawing.
- The screen follows a predictable path, allowing for fast movement.
- The screen’s path and positions are optimized for a comfortable drawing experience.
XOOT_Pro Basic Ergonomics
Review the general ergonomics guidelines for keeping you comfortable and productive for pen and touch displays.
Organize your workspace for reach.
The image above comes from “The Canadian Center For Occupational Health and Safety”
Note with a normal computer workstation setup the Primary ergonomic zone is where the mouse and keyboard are kept. The computer monitor is normally placed in the Secondary zone, (This longer distance helps with field of view and easier eye focus range).
When used in Pen/Touch modes the display needs to occupy the Primary ergonomic zone also occupied by the mouse and keyboard.
XOOT_Pro is designed to move the display from the Secondary zone to the Primary zone by traveling over the mouse and keyboard then resting directly above them.
Ergonomics for a seated position.
The image above comes from “The Canadian Center For Occupational Health and Safety”
Also visit: US government OSHA web pages.
Most ergonomic guides use the same basic principles for promoting good body posture:
- Ears aligned over shoulders (eliminating neck strain)
- A straightened or supported back (avoiding spine strain)
- Relaxed upper arms (preventing shoulder strain)
- Hands in line with lower arms (reducing wrist strain)
- Adequate foot support (preventing legs from being pinched or strained)
However, the Canadian ergonomic guide emphasizes keeping your body moving.
“No one seating position can remain comfortable over a long period of time. For this reason, multiple positions in which the body can be in the neutral position are recommended. As mentioned above, the workstation should allow the worker to adjust and move between these positions.”
XOOT_Pro is designed with the idea of keeping your body moving:
There’s no single “optimal” position for drawing on a pen display. If stuck drawing in single position for long periods, your body fatigues. Changing the screen position can help enhance comfort and reduce strain.
XOOT_Pro Pivot Path
The diagram below shows path of the screen’s surface for the Cintiq Pro 24 Kit. All other XOOT_Pro kits have a similar path.
The Green Lines are snap shots of the screen’s surface at points along the Kit’s path.
The Grey lines show level of the desk and the XOOT_Pro grip feet.
The Red line shows when the screen would rest on the desk (with XOOT_Pro folding feet attached)
The XOOT_Pro Pivot Path can be broken into 3 parts:
1. As the screen is pulled toward you it remains mostly vertical
2. When the screen enters the Primary Ergonomic Zone it reaches an infection point where the screen’s tilt is changed. This is useful because the screen is at a comfortable drawing distance and tilt adjustments require only small movements.
3. Once the screen’s minimum tilt angle is reached (28 to 32 degrees depending on the Kit) the screen drops downward while maintaining the screen angle.
For new users of the XOOT_Pro, it helps to know the three points of the pivot path.
- Part 1 requires forward/backward pull/push motion.
- Part 3 requires up/down lift/drop motion.
- Part 2 requires a twisting motion.
Once you’re used to the pivot path it becomes second nature, but the first few times of operation can be confusing.
XOOT_Pro Operation Modes
Placing the screen in different locations enhances certain use cases.
Monitor Mode (Mouse and Keyboard Mode)
The Green lines show that the active screen area is set at or below eye level for most users
The Red line shows that the initial position of the screen is tilted by 10 degrees.
The screen’s is designed pivot over a mouse and keyboard to then occupy the Primary Ergonomic Zone.
To ensure clearance over the keyboard, the home row of the keyboard is designed to be 267mm away from center of the screen.
High Drawing Mode
The XOOT_Pro set at high angle.
The user’s back is upright. Their head is slightly tilted but the ears are still over the shoulders. Be aware shoulders and arms in this mode.
Also know as Hybrid Mode, where both the keyboard and pen are used at the same time.
The other drawing modes end up coving the keyboard.
Desktop Mode
The XOOT_Pro at desk level.
The user’s the head to tilted forward beyond the shoulders. Be aware of your neck and back in this mode.
When half the screen is resting on the desk it adds and extra level of screen stability.
Support feet may be folded down below the screen. (These feet may be used with high profile keyboards to ensure the back of the screen does not contact any keys on the keyboard.)
Low Drawing Mode
The XOOT_Pro pulled out and placed below desk level.
The user leans back and the chair supports their upper body weight. The head to tilted forward but because their back is reclined the ears are still over the shoulders.
Nice mode to rest of your lower back. However, your upper body cannot move around, use short arm movements. Be aware of shoulder, arm and wrist strain.
Standing Mode
Using the XOOT_Pro when standing.
When using the XOOT System in a standing position adjust the desk height so that the screen is easily view-able without much neck tilt.
Keyboard Tray
Using the XOOT_Pro with a keyboard tray.
The use of a keyboard tray may help with accessibility of the keyboard under the screen.
Optional Enhancements
Change the Default Height
Every XOOT_Pro has a block that goes between the base and the XOOT arm.
This block can be changed to tune XOOT_Pro for an individual’s preference. See Leg Spacer Kits for details.
XOOT system in picture is raised to allow for clearance over a MIDI keyboard.
