Reading from a Palm Pilot& Trade Using Rsvp

This study examines the feasibility of using the text presentation method known as Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) as a means of optimizing reading on small screen interfaces. Participants read text on a hand-held device in both the page-like format and at various presentation rates in RSVP. Reading comprehension, user satisfaction, and format preference were examined as dependent variables. Results showed: (1) there were significant differences in comprehension between the RSVP presented at 250 wpm and the higher speeds of 450 and 650 wpm; but (2) there was no significant difference in comprehension scores between the RSVP at 250 wpm and the page condition. Participants were able to comprehend text presented via RSVP at 250 wpm and the page format equally well. Despite this comparable performance between these formats, participants were generally less satisfied with the RSVP, and preferred 250 and 450 wpm presentation rates significantly more than 650 wpm.