Abstract
It is a standard aim to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. When technology is involved, the tools must be designed to facilitate optimal performance. The ActualDepth™ Multi-Layer Display (MLD™) is a ‘new generation’ display, consisting of two layered Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), with a gap between them. The top LCD displays transparently, allowing both layers to be viewed simultaneously. This paper describes an experiment that investigated relative reading speeds, error detection, comprehension speeds and comprehension accuracy on the MLD™, including a comparison with standard single layered displays. A framework pertaining to colour and transparency usage on the MLD™ was then developed, which is intended to enhance the usability and effectiveness of the display. In general, it was found that overall readability was improved on the MLD™, compared to a standard display, and different transparency levels and colours should be employed, depending on the purpose of reading the text.