These aren't studies, just anecdotes, and the actual study quoted in the NYT shows the opposite:
> One study commissioned by NEC and conducted by researchers at the University of Utah showed that people using a dual-display machine to do a text-editing task were 44 percent more productive than those who used a single monitor.
I think it's fair to say that any research from 2014 isn't the most relevant now. Both screen size and (importantly) software has changed to better support both multiple screen usage as well as large screens.
The argument for single screens in the NYT is mostly that it reduces distractions:
> But for most people, the time spent juggling two windows or scrolling across large documents isn’t the biggest bottleneck in getting work done. Instead, there’s a more basic, pernicious reason you feel constantly behind — you’re getting distracted.
This seems to indicate they were comparing a maximized window on a single screen vs non-maximized windows on multiple screens, and probably in the days before modern notifications on desktop OSs.
Based on this it is fair to say more research is needed, but it is inaccurate to claim that studies support the idea that one monitor is better.
Realistically where would you position these monitors? Ergonomically there aren't many great solutions for any extended use especially once you go up to mutiple large monitors. Tilt your head in those directions and see how long you maintain them comfortably. If you think modern notifications are less distracting I'll respectfully disagree.
Three monitors along a curve on a curved desk with a rotating office chair (or just one on wheels) is perfect. It might be OCD but I don’t like two monitors because there is a gap between screens in the middle. I can physically rotate to face one side monitor or the other. I am never tilting my head for more than an occasional glance and this setup provides sone kind of task repartition in space, which helps me with switching contexts.
From an ergonomic point of view this is no different than using a single monitor. They are at the right height and the right angle and with a good chair. The trick is to rotate the chair rather than your head. And it does take a bit of space.
> Realistically where would you position these monitors?
I have a 34" main monitor positioned directly in front of me, a 24" in vertical orientation I use mostly for multiple terminals and my MPB screen below the 34".
I don't think this is an unusual setup.
> Tilt your head in those directions
This applies to large single monitors too. I think (hope?!) most people have a setup where their main work is right in front of them.
> If you think modern notifications are less distracting I'll respectfully disagree.
No I'm saying they are more distracting, so reduce the relevance of old articles claiming a single monitor reduced those.
Are they all in front of you? They sound like they are. Do you find that the positions are comfortable? I cannot see a single article that claims mutiple monitors are ergonomic beyond 2, and most only try to suggest one. https://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ergoguide.html this article might not like the positions you use, but they're just suggestions that I read and found useful.
I had two 4K monitors in portrait mode. Meant less vertical scrolling. I generally put different contexts on different screens, eg. code/terminals on one monitor and browsers with results on the other. Laptop screen left open as well for email, Slack, etc.
> One study commissioned by NEC and conducted by researchers at the University of Utah showed that people using a dual-display machine to do a text-editing task were 44 percent more productive than those who used a single monitor.
I think it's fair to say that any research from 2014 isn't the most relevant now. Both screen size and (importantly) software has changed to better support both multiple screen usage as well as large screens.
The argument for single screens in the NYT is mostly that it reduces distractions:
> But for most people, the time spent juggling two windows or scrolling across large documents isn’t the biggest bottleneck in getting work done. Instead, there’s a more basic, pernicious reason you feel constantly behind — you’re getting distracted.
This seems to indicate they were comparing a maximized window on a single screen vs non-maximized windows on multiple screens, and probably in the days before modern notifications on desktop OSs.
Based on this it is fair to say more research is needed, but it is inaccurate to claim that studies support the idea that one monitor is better.