Effects of Control Type and Panel Angle on Kitchen Appliance Usability: A Comparative Study of Knob and Touchscreen Panels

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2025.32.6.11337

Keywords:

control panel angle, kitchen appliances, cooker knobs, touchscreen panels, usability evaluation

Abstract

This study empirically examined whether panel angle effects on kitchen appliance control panel usability vary by control type. Two representative types—cooker knobs and touchscreen panels—were tested at four angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°), reflecting common configurations in commercial ranges. Usability was assessed through visibility, physical comfort, and preference. Twenty participants performed heat-level adjustment tasks at each angle and rated all measures. Results showed: (1) significant interaction effects between control type and panel angle across all criteria, and (2) substantial main effects of panel angle on evaluation scores. Knob panels achieved higher ratings at steeper angles, while touchscreen panels performed better at flatter angles. These findings provide ergonomic guidance for designing control interfaces that integrate both knobs and touchscreens. Proper panel angle design can enhance visual accessibility, reduce bodily strain, and help prevent musculoskeletal disorders during prolonged and repetitive use.

Author Biographies

Minseok Son, Department of Safety Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea

Minseok Son is an Assistant Professor of Safety Engineering at Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea. He received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, in 2018.

Sehee An, Department of Safety Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea

Sehee An is currently a Ph.D. student in Safety Engineering at Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea. She received her M.S. degree in Safety Engineering from Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea, in 2024.

 

 

Donghyun Beck, Department of Safety Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea

Donghyun Beck is currently an Associate Professor of Safety Engineering at Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea. He received his Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering from Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, in 2019.

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Published

2025-12-14

How to Cite

Son, M., An, S., & Beck, D. (2025). Effects of Control Type and Panel Angle on Kitchen Appliance Usability: A Comparative Study of Knob and Touchscreen Panels. International Journal of Industrial Engineering: Theory, Applications and Practice, 32(6). https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2025.32.6.11337

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 6 (2025)

Section

Work Measurement, Human Factors and Ergonomics

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