Why is the simultaneous use of multiple monitors decreases the productivity

Many developers and just people sitting at a computer for long periods, it is believed that multiple monitors can seriously increase productivity. This is even confirmed by statistical researchIncreasing Productivity: How Dual Monitors Can Save You Time and Money. . But Cory House disagrees. He argues that the use of multiple monitors, on the contrary, distracts from the work and is not conducive to concentration.

Instead of spending a couple of displays, it is better to put on the table just one monitor. And that's why.

It is easier to focus

Users can focus on only one lessonThink You're Multitasking? Think Again. . It makes no sense to keep before your eyes at the same time an article you're working on, and your e-mail from Twitter. You'll be constantly distracted, looking from one monitor to another, and as a result can not properly concentrate on anything.

I'm a developer, so always writing code and often read the documentation. But I very rarely need to read the documentation at the same time that I'm writing code. At first I read, then I write.

Cory House

Less trouble with windows

Add the window so that with them it was convenient to work, not so easy even on a single screen - provided that it is big. If you expand the window to full screen, it will take up too much space. If you open multiple windows, then read the contents, running eyes from end to end, it would be inconvenient. So, you will shrink the window you are working to a manageable size, and keep it in the middle of the screen. In this case, in a broad sense to monitor simply disappear. And with multiple monitors windows and dragging all become torture.

Jeff Atwood (Jeff Atwood) in his article "The paradox of large displays"I have long been suggested to use special applications that facilitate the movement of windows and changing their sizes. Cory House offers a simple to use one monitor acceptable size.

On one screen I do not need to choose what and where to place. I do not spend the time to drag windows and change their scale. I unfold the application with which to work, and all superfluous disappears. I take my work without being distracted no matter what.

Cory House

Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops, which have long been there in the Mac and Linux, and added to the Windows 10, can completely replace the additional monitors. To switch from one virtual desktop to another on Mac, simply swipe your finger on the touchpad or Magic Mouse. You do not even need to turn your head and look to the contents of a nearby monitor.

I'm not distracted by the management of windows on the desktop. On the extreme left the table, I always open the browser, on the extreme right - editor. I just relate to virtual desktops as physical screens.

Cory House

Continuous workflow

If you have multiple monitors, each time shifting her for a laptop, you will feel uncomfortable. Using one monitor, you will not have to worry about the location of windows: they can be the same place as the 24-inch monoblock, and 15-inch MacBook. Again, virtual desktops can be configured the same on any screen. Wherever you work, the window will be on the usual position.

I often work in cafes, libraries, parks, on the street, on the plane... when I had more than one monitor, I took the time to organize windows, whenever disconnects your computer from the docking station. Now I do not feel any discomfort. Windows are deployed on those desktops where I left them.

Cory House

One monitor is sufficient

Corey advises select one monitor with a diagonal of 24 inches, so that more efficient operation is not required. 24 inches is enough for any applications deployed on the entire screen, but two windows, each occupying half of your screen will be placed on this monitor quite cozy. Finally, you'll be less twist the neck, peering that you have open at the edges of the monitor. Remember, turned the window to full screen - so focused.

• Less - is more.
• The quality is better the quantity.
• It is better to take care of convenient placement of windows.

Cory House

The same opinion, and that Corey, adhere to journalist Farhad Manju of The New York Times («Discovering Two Screens Are not Better Than One») And developer Patrick Dubrouil («Multiple-Monitor Productivity: Fact or Fiction?»).