Ergonomic Design of a Dual and Single-Hand Smartphone Photography Rig for Documentarians: A User-Centric Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Iran Universoty of Art: Tehran, Iran.

2 Iran Universoty of Art, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jdt.2025.402624.1163

Abstract

This study addresses the critical ergonomic challenges faced by documentarians and content creators in mobile photography through the development of an innovative smartphone holder system. Through comprehensive mixed-methods research involving 100 general users and 20 expert photographers, key ergonomic deficiencies were identified, including hand tremors, inadequate camera control, and musculoskeletal discomfort during extended use. The iterative design process, grounded in user-centered design principles and ergonomic theory, resulted in a novel dual-grip smartphone holder featuring modular attachments and intuitive control mechanisms. Expert panel evaluation revealed substantial improvements across all performance metrics: 75% reduction in hand tremors, 50% enhancement in image stability, 43.5% increase in user comfort, 23.9% improvement in image quality, and 40% better control and maneuverability. The final design incorporates ergonomic optimization to minimize musculoskeletal strain, dual-grip functionality for versatile operation modes, and a modular attachment system ensuring broad equipment compatibility. This research contributes significant insights to human-computer interaction and industrial design fields, establishing a foundation for future developments in mobile photography accessories while emphasizing the critical importance of ergonomic considerations in contemporary content creation tools.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Grey, J. (2022). The best camera gear for your smartphone. Wired. https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-photo-video-accessories-for-iphone-android/
Osailan, A. (2021). The relationship between smartphone usage duration (using smartphone’s ability to monitor screen time) with hand-grip and pinch-grip strength among young people: An observational study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 22, 186. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04054-6
Osailan, A. (2021). Musculoskeletal symptoms among smartphone users: A systematic review. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 33(1), 50–57. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.33.50
Sachs, M., Martin, K., & Lee, C. (2019). Mechanical vibration damping in handheld imaging systems. International Journal of Imaging Engineering, 8(1), 55–67.
Takemura, Y. (2019). The development of video-camera technologies. IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCE.2019.2905482
Takemura, H. (2019). Mobile cinematography and sensor stabilization techniques. Journal of Visual Media, 12(2), 45–59.
Venzin, A. (2019). Mobile journalism: A practical guide (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Venzin, M. (2019). Use your smartphone for video projects. Nonprofit Communications Report. https://doi.org/10.1002/NPCR
Pheasant, S., & Haslegrave, C. M. (2016). Bodyspace: Anthropometry, ergonomics and the design of work (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
Pelletier, R., Higgins, J., & Bourbonnais, D. (2015). Is neuroplasticity in the central nervous system the missing link to our understanding of chronic musculoskeletal disorders? BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 16, 25.
Giacomin, J. (2014). What is human-centred design? The Design Journal, 17(4), 606–623. https://doi.org/10.2752/175630614X14056185480186
Xiong, J., & Muraki, S. (2014). An ergonomics study of thumb movements on smartphone touch screens. Ergonomics, 57(6), 943–955.
Hamper, A. (2013). User satisfaction with convergent mobile phones: A case study of university students in Hong Kong. International Journal of Mobile Communications, 11(1), 1–20.
Norman, D. (2013). The design of everyday things (Rev. & expanded ed.). Basic Books.
Karwowski, W. (2012). The discipline of ergonomics and human factors. CRC Press.
Joshi, N., Zitnick, C. L., Szeliski, R., & Kriegman, D. J. (2010). Image deblurring and denoising using color priors. IEEE Computer Society Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, 1550–1557.
Sanders, E. B.-N., & Stappers, P. J. (2008). Co-creation and the new landscapes of design. Co-Design, 4(1), 5–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15710880701875068
Straker, L., Burgess-Limerick, R., Pollock, C., & Maslen, B. (2008). The influence of desk and display design on posture and muscle activity during information technology work by young adults. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 18(4), 606–617.
Keelan, B. W. (2002). Handbook of image quality: Characterization and prediction. CRC Press.
Altshuller, G. (1997). 40 principles: TRIZ keys to technical innovation. Technical Innovation Center.
Westgaard, R. H., & Winkel, J. (1997). Ergonomic intervention research for improved musculoskeletal health: A critical review. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 20(6), 463–500.
Kuorinka, I., Jonsson, B., Kilbom, A., Vinterberg, H., Biering-Sørensen, F., Andersson, G., & Jørgensen, K. (1987). Standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Applied Ergonomics, 18(3), 233–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-6870(87)90010-x