How physical text layout affects reading from screen

The primary objective of this paper is to critically evaluate empirical research on some variables relating to the configuration of text on screen to consolidate our current knowledge in these areas. The text layout variables are line length, columns, window size and interlinear spacing, with an emp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Behaviour & information technology 2004-11, Vol.23 (6), p.377-393
Main Author: Dyson, Mary C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computers
Ergonomics
Exact sciences and technology
Information and communication sciences
Information science. Documentation
Layout
Library and information science. General aspects
Readability
Sciences and techniques of general use
Use and user studies. Information needs
Visual display units
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Description
Summary:The primary objective of this paper is to critically evaluate empirical research on some variables relating to the configuration of text on screen to consolidate our current knowledge in these areas. The text layout variables are line length, columns, window size and interlinear spacing, with an emphasis on line length due to the larger number of studies related to this variable. Methodological issues arising from individual studies and from comparisons among studies are identified. A synthesis of results is offered which provides alternative interpretations of some findings and identifies the number of characters per line as the critical variable in looking at line length. Further studies are needed to explore the interactions between characters per line and eye movements, scrolling movements, reading patterns and familiarity with formats.
ISSN:0144-929X
1362-3001
DOI:10.1080/01449290410001715714