Hands comfortably gripping a rollable display with a futuristic city skyline.

Rollable Displays: The Future of Ergonomic Device Design?

Samir D’Costa in Tech & Innovation December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how hand size and device thickness impact grip comfort on rollable devices, paving the way for user-friendly designs."

As curved displays become increasingly common, the next frontier in display technology is rollable devices. These innovative displays offer numerous advantages, but their ergonomic design is crucial for user comfort and usability. Unlike traditional screens, rollable displays require users to unroll them, which introduces new considerations for grip and handling.

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2018 Annual Meeting, delves into the ergonomic aspects of rollable displays. The research investigates how hand length and device thickness affect grip comfort when unrolling these devices. The ultimate goal is to determine the optimal bezel width and device thickness for a comfortable user experience.

This article will summarize and contextualize the study's findings, highlighting their implications for designers and consumers alike. By understanding the ergonomic principles behind rollable displays, we can anticipate and shape the future of this exciting technology.

The Ergonomics of Unrolling: Key Factors in Rollable Display Design

Hands comfortably gripping a rollable display with a futuristic city skyline.

The study involved thirty young adults with an average age of 22.1 years. Participants were right-handed, university students without any musculoskeletal issues in their upper limbs. The research employed a mixed factorial design, considering three different hand lengths (short, medium, and large) and three device thicknesses (thin, medium, and thick).

Each participant interacted with three rollable display prototypes, which consisted of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic panels, a paper screen, a roller, and a spring mechanism. The thickness of one side of the device was adjusted, while the other remained fixed. The dimensions of the prototypes when fully unrolled were 140H × 300W × 2.5R (mm) and 130H × 260W (mm). Each device had a 20 mm wide bezel, which was used to measure the gripping area.

Hand Length: Short (≤162.5 mm), Medium (174.6–177.3 mm), and Large (≥189.4 mm).
Device Thickness: Thin (2 mm), Medium (6 mm), and Thick (10 mm).

The process involved participants unrolling and rolling the prototypes until they found a comfortable grip. Researchers then photographed each grip area from four angles and asked participants to rate the comfort of each hand's grip on a 100mm Visual Analogue Scale. The entire procedure lasted approximately 30 minutes per participant, and the data collected provided valuable insights into the ergonomic considerations of rollable displays.

Optimizing Rollable Display Design for User Comfort

The study's findings indicate that regardless of hand length, a rollable display should have a side bezel width of at least 20 mm. Moreover, the device should be sufficiently thick, preferably 10 mm, to ensure high grip comfort. By adhering to these guidelines, designers can create ergonomic rollable displays that prioritize user comfort and enhance the overall user experience. This is a critical step in making rollable displays a mainstream technology.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are rollable displays, and why are they considered the next frontier in display technology?

Rollable displays represent an evolution beyond curved screens, offering the ability to unroll and retract, making them potentially more portable and adaptable than traditional displays. Their significance lies in their innovative form factor, which could revolutionize device design and user interaction. The implications of rollable displays extend to various applications, including smartphones, tablets, and even larger screens that can be conveniently stored and transported.

Why is ergonomics so important in the design of rollable displays?

Ergonomics is crucial for rollable displays because users must physically interact with these devices to unroll and handle them. Poor ergonomic design can lead to discomfort, strain, and reduced usability. This is important because the user's hand size and the device's thickness directly impact grip comfort. The implications of ignoring ergonomic principles could hinder the widespread adoption of rollable display technology.

What specific dimensions for rollable displays did the study recommend for optimal grip comfort?

The study suggests that a rollable display should have a side bezel width of at least 20 mm to ensure a comfortable grip, regardless of hand size. Additionally, a device thickness of 10 mm is recommended for optimal grip comfort. These dimensions are significant because they directly influence how easily and comfortably users can unroll and handle the device. This information is vital to the design of rollable displays that prioritize user experience and reduce the risk of strain or discomfort.

What were the key factors considered in the study regarding the ergonomics of rollable displays?

The study considered factors such as hand length (short, medium, and large) and device thickness (thin, medium, and thick) to understand their impact on grip comfort. The study found that different hand lengths and device thicknesses will have different needs. This is relevant because it allows designers to tailor rollable displays to accommodate a diverse range of users and preferences, ultimately leading to more user-friendly and accessible devices.

Who participated in the study, and what are the implications of the demographic used?

The participants were young adults, specifically right-handed university students without any musculoskeletal issues in their upper limbs, with an average age of 22.1 years. The implications of using this specific demographic of users means that the research may not be generalizable to other populations. Designers may consider conducting further studies with a more diverse group of participants to ensure that rollable displays are ergonomic and comfortable for all potential users.