Should Web Designers Work With Multiple Screens Or Not?

One of the most desirable achievements for many web designers is an increase in productivity – they are forever looking for technological ways to improve their workflow and, one of these ways is through the use of multiple computer screens. Whilst most designers are content with two screens, others will use as many as three or four (or even more!) to improve the efficiency with which they work. But is this the best idea?

Advantages

If this is a trick that many web designers are already using, they have to be receiving some sort of benefit from the decision, including:

• Increased Productivity: There have been a number of studies that have ascertained that using multiple screens actually does increase the productivity of the designer, which can result in increased profits of several thousand dollars a year.
• Multiple Programs: Most web designers will use more than one program at a given time (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, an internet browser, and so on). Having a second or third screen allows each of these windows to be open and worked on simultaneously.
• Flexibility: If you are working with a laptop for your second screen, you will find that you are given more flexibility in your workspace. Not only does this allow you to easily work at multiple desks, it enables you to be ready to go when ducking off for meetings.

Disadvantages

As with anything, it would be expected that there are a number of limitations when it comes to using multiple screens, including:

• Distractions: Some designers use one screen to keep on top of the emails that are constantly coming into their account or to keep track of the tweets and status updates on their account – this has huge potential for creating distractions from your work.
• Lack of Space: Even though flat panel and LCD computer screens only take up a small amount of space, when you have filled your desk with two or three of these screens (not to mention your keyboard, mouse, and so on), your desk begins to look a little crowded.
• Cost: Investing in a number of screens involves quite a large cost, especially as web designers tend to favour the more expensive brands and larger sizes. Running multiple screens will also increase your electricity bills, although not too substantially.

As you can see, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of multiple screens. Instead of there being a right or a wrong answer, however, it is up to the web designers themselves to decide whether using two or three screens is the best choice for them. You could even try it out for a week or two before deciding whether it’s something you could see yourself doing all the time.