The effects of screen size on rotating 3D contents using compound gestures on a mobile device.

•The display size and the task-completion time are inversely related. Using a smaller display results in a shorter completion time.•Tasks with obvious characteristics for the 3D objects require a shorter time to complete.•Using familiar hand gestures leads to a shorter task-completion time.•The Control–Display ratio is an important factor that affects the performance of the 3D rotation tasks.•Adaptability and familiarity should be taken into consideration when introducing new hand gestures.