Ergonomics in dispatch centers typically focuses on chair comfort and desk height. But there's another critical factor that doesn't get enough attention: focal depth, or the distance between a dispatcher's eyes and their monitors.
In environments with large, curved screens and monitor arrays, getting this distance right directly affects how well the body and eyes work together over long shifts. Poor focal depth leads to discomfort and fatigue, neither of which help when split-second decisions are required. Over time, the accumulated strain affects clarity and endurance; small factors with significant impact when every second counts.
Understanding Focal Depth
Focal depth is how far visual information sits from the operator. When monitors are positioned at an appropriate distance, the eyes can maintain focus comfortably, and the head and neck can remain in a neutral position. When that distance is off, the body compensates, often without the operator realizing it.
In multi-screen environments, focal depth becomes more complex. Operators are not interacting with a single monitor, but with multiple displays that vary in size, curvature, and placement. If screens are too close, operators tend to lean forward or adopt a forward head posture. If they are too far away, they may crane their necks or raise their shoulders to maintain clarity. Over time, these minor adjustments add up, contributing to muscular fatigue and visual strain (Eureka Ergonomic; Vernal Space; Branch Furniture).
Focal depth is not just about seeing the screen clearly. It's about allowing the body to stay aligned while doing so.
