The character count per line of digital text affects the reading speed of individuals with normal and low vision, according to a study. The small display sizes of mobile devices, such as cellphones and smart watches, pose a challenge for individuals with low vision. Nilsu Atilgan, Ying-zi Xiong, and Gordon E. Legge examined factors that affect the readability of text on laptops, tablets, and cellphones. Thirty participants with normal vision and 10 individuals with low vision read 48 Grimms' Fairy Tales stories, which appeared in eight possible text sizes. To achieve 80% of the maximum reading speed on any display format, normally sighted participants required 13 characters per line and low-vision participants required eight characters per line. The findings suggest that the character count per line, as determined by text size, is an important factor affecting the reading speed of individuals with both normal and low vision. The results underscore the importance of customizing the text format on digital displays to optimize reading performance. According to the authors, the study carries implications for the design of small text displays for people with normal vision and the prescription of appropriate reading aids for people with low vision.
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Article #20-07514: "Reconciling print-size and display-size constraints on reading," by Nilsu Atilgan, Ying-zi Xiong, Gordon E. Legge.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Nilsu Atilgan, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; e-mail: <nilsuatilgan@gmail.com>; Ying-zi Xiong, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; e-mail: <yingzi@umn.edu>
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences