| |
Why is Guardian-EOS™ different to other break reminder software?
All other break reminder software can be anything from a simple 'egg-timer' that counts down a preset time period (regardless of whether you are actually working on the computer or not) up to more sophisticated time-based models that are 'activity driven' (ie. if you stop mousing or keying the clock will stop counting).
The problem with ALL 'time-based' models is that they cannot take into account the physical strain of what you are doing.
Guardian-EOS™ break suggestions are NOT based on an 'egg-timer', keystrokes or mouse clicks.
Break suggestions are made to the user based on the 'STRAIN' from keyboard and mouse usage.
Guardian's 'Strain-Based' model Vs a 'Time-Based' model.
Time-Based Model
Lets assume a time-based model that accounts for natural rest and set for 45 minutes between breaks.
Natural rest taken before the 45 minutes is up will stop the clock and if you rest long enough, the clock resets.
Now lets assume continuous use for 45 minutes without a natural rest break.
Low strain usage like checking emails, reading on line documents, web-surfing etc. - the clock counts down to zero and a break is triggered.
High strain usage like graphic design, data entry etc makes no difference. Why? Simply because a time-based model only manages time not strain.
In other words, the amount of strain you are accruing makes no difference to a time-based model.
With an overuse injury there is no way of managing your strain other than making the time between breaks shorter - which makes makes it more frustrating to use.
Guardian-EOS
Guardian is a 'strain-based' model that accounts for natural rest and we'll set the 'Maximum Time between Breaks' to 45 minutes as well. Instead just managing time, Guardian is also managing 'strain' from keyboard and mouse usage. The strain level required to trigger a break is based on information you tell Guardian about your computing health AND your own usage pattern.
Natural rest taken before the 45 minutes is up will reduce the accrued strain down and allow you to continue working.
Now lets assume continuous use for 45 minutes without a natural rest break.
Low strain usage - if the accrued strain does not reach a high enough level to trigger a 'strain-based' break, Guardian will trigger a break at the end of 45 minutes (the maximum time between breaks).
High strain usage - if the strain exceeds your average strain level before the 45 minutes is up, a 'strain-based' break will be triggered. Why? Guardian manages strain - which is what causes overuse injury, not just time.
In other words, Guardian will not allow you to exceed your average strain level and triggers a break when you need it.
With an overuse injury you simply tell Guardian that you have an injury and the strain threshold is adjusted down accordingly. Guardian protects you by managing the strain, triggering 'strain-based' breaks as needed and keeping interruption to your work as minimal as possible.
The maximum time between breaks can be kept at 45 minutes to allow for 'low strain' usage (or non-computer tasks like reading) where a strain-based break has not been triggered, but you should get up and take a break anyway.
Isn't 'strain' just the number mouse clicks and keystrokes?
No. Different keyboard and mouse actions require different levels of physical strain. Guardian-EOS™ models strain based on the results from a surface electromyography (EMG) baseline study. An EMG is a medical instrument that measures the electrical activity in the muscles to determine the amount of muscle tension. Small, flat metal sensors called electrodes are attached to the skin. The EMG then measures the electrical activity in the muscles directly underneath the electrodes and adjoining muscles.
Example 1 - Keyboard Strain
- pressing Ctrl-C requires more muscular effort than Ctrl-A, and
- pressing Shift-G requires more muscular effort than just pressing G.
Guardian measures keyboard strain and will suggest a break when you actually need one.
Strain from different mouse activities are measured independently of keyboard strain.
Example 2 - Mousing Strain
- single-clicking requires less muscular effort than doubleclicking
- A drag and drop involves more physical strain that a single-click and mouse movement yet both activities require a single click and a mouse movement.
A 'click counter' approach would consider two single clicks as being twice the activity of a drag and drop action while in reality a drag and drop is much more straining.
Even 'activity driven' models can't tell the difference because they are only concerned with activity rather than what you are doing.
Guardian-EOS™ can tell the difference and uses both mousing strain and keyboard strain to suggest a break when you actually need to rest.
How does Guardian know when to suggest a break for me?
Guardian-EOS™ features a set-up wizard that asks a series of questions about the users computing health, the type of keyboard and mouse they use and their willingness to take breaks.
Based on the answers provided, Guardian-EOS™ adjusts to fit the needs of each individual user.
Guardian-EOS™ also provides users with pro-active tools that reduce strain, raise awareness and encourage healthy work habits.
The end result is a dynamic & intelligent software that suggests a rest break only when you actually need one, rather than after a fixed preset time period.
ATTENTION CALL CENTRE MANAGERS
The Call Centre environment is
unique.
Generally, employees in a call centre can not be interrupted during a phone call.
As such, Guardian-EOS™ provides easy settings that ensure the operator will
never be interrupted by a break suggestion.
When Guardian-EOS™ suggests a break, it puts up a
small "Break Needed" button. The break is initiated ONLY when the operator has finished the
current phone call and clicks the "Break Needed" button. This feature enables call centre employees to have the benefit of appropriate rest breaks without compromising productivity.
|
