Smart phone holders
How many phone holders do you have? Or more importantly how many do you use?
I have 3 different holders that I use on a regular basis. Being the ergo-geek that I am, I suppose this isn't surprising. But let me tell you why I everyone needs at least 1 smart phone holder in their day to day life.
What makes a phone holder so smart?
Remember that Lifestyle Ergonomics is about making your life easier to live. Well, what could make life easier than having 3 (or 4) hands?
That's what using a phone holder is like. When you're in the car or on a bike it lets you keep your hands in control and your eyes on the road by positioning the screen *just* right. When you're in the kitchen or at your desk, it keeps your hands doing their work and your neck in a comfortable position while you stay tuned into the important stuff on your screen (like a recipe, sports scores, a hilarious group text conversation between friends, your latest binge-worthy show, etc.).
Without a phone holder, you waste time and energy bending your neck down and/or picking up your phone every time you need to check it. We may be talking about very small bits of time, but they really add up! Once you learn the way of hands-free phoning, you'll see what I mean.
On Your Kitchen Counter or Desk
If you keep your phone on your desk next to your computer while you're working, how many times do you bend forward and look down at the screen? How many times do you take your hands off your keyboard and pick up and wake up your phone?
If you use your phone when cooking to access recipes or to just watch TV, you need to use a stand. If you just lay your phone flat on the counter you'll end up bending your head down to read the small print that is too far away from your eyes.
Did you know that your head weighs about 10 pounds? Forcing your neck to hold up a bowling ball while you keep an eye on your phone can lead to strain, which can lead to fatigue, pain or injury.
Make your life easier - put the darn phone on a stand!
There are SO many of these to choose from, but I use a homemade one that my son crafted out of Legos - it's pretty sweet.
The most important things to look for are:
- Ability to use it in portrait AND landscape mode
- Easy to put phone in and take phone out (Human Factors Spoiler: If it's not easy, humans won't do it)
If you're crafty, try one of these DIY stands:
In the Car
Obviously the safest option is to keep your phone out of sight all together (in your purse, pocket, etc.). But if you use your phone for driving directions or to manage your internet radio you'll need someplace to put it where you can easily see the screen. Here are some options that you may have considered, followed by my choice for best ergo solution.
- On the seat next to you - too dangerous to view it there and it slides onto floor when you take a turn too fast
- In the cup holder - not a always good fit and then you have no space for your coffee; but this can successfully angle the screen for easy peeking
- My Choice - A Magnetic Mount. Simple to use, easy to install, affordable ($15) and minimal addition to your phone and car.
On Your Bike
If you bring your phone along when biking, you've got to put it somewhere. You've got options like your pocket, your purse, a fanny pack (my favorite has built-in speakers!), a basket, etc. - but having your phone handy is the whole purpose of bringing it with you, right?
I use this one by TaoTronics. It's only $13 and its easy to install and use. - the phone goes in and out very easily. My phone has never fallen out of it and you can pivot the screen for your best viewing angle.
