Abstract: A method for determining the optimal viewing angle of display, input, or output devices with limited viewing, output and/or sensing angle characteristics including a test pattern displayed on a display screen. Test pattern is displayed on display screen and includes one or more test elements having levels of gray different from the gray shown in background. Once initiated, viewer evaluates test pattern to determine if display screen is positioned at an optical viewing angle to the viewer. In particular, one set of test elements has a luminance just below background and the other set of test elements has a luminance just above background. To determine the optimal viewing angle, a viewer evaluates test pattern determine the difference in gray levels between test elements against background. The viewer then adjusts the position of display screen until test elements either blend in with background or provide the largest contrast with background.