Article
Reading Online Text: A Comparison of Four White Space Layouts
Usability News (SURL)
(2004)
Abstract
In this study, reading performance with four white space layouts was compared. Margins surrounding the text and leading (space between lines) were manipulated to generate four white space conditions. Results show that the use of margins affected both reading speed and comprehension more than the No Margin text. Participants were also generally more satisfied with the text with margins. Leading was not shown to impact reading performance but did influence overall user preference.
Keywords
- web page design,
- online reading,
- usability studies
Disciplines
Publication Date
July, 2004
Citation Information
Barbara Chaparro, J. Ryan Baker, A. Dawn Shaikh, Spring Hull, et al.. "Reading Online Text: A Comparison of Four White Space Layouts" Usability News (SURL) Vol. 6 Iss. 2 (2004) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/barbara-chaparro/115/