Different modalities in assembly support system user interface

In lightweight assembly work the need for information support systems has grown greatly. In agile production the computer based information support systems are a promising, accurate and fast way to produce the needed information in the production line. Contemporary information support systems can provide assembly workers with multi-modal information. The effect of different media in the user interface has not been studied extensively in assembly work. We present a survey consisting of two approaches: a controlled laboratory study about assembly errors and assembly time, and a qualitative field study about subjective satisfaction of a computer based information support system for shop floor employees.