Visual Embellishments are Potential Distractions in Double-Column Reading

Authors

Songwen Hu (Georgia Institute of Technology), Chase Stokes (Morningstar, Inc.), Marti Hearst (UC Berkeley), Cindy Xiong Bearfield (Georgia Tech)

Abstract

Eye-catching graphics, such as circular figure labels and word-scale graphics, are increasingly being placed directly within long-form text paragraphs. Some research has claimed that inline visualiza tions can help readers understand data-rich passages more clearly. However, research in the science of reading calls into question the introduction of images within the flow of text. In this work, we conduct an exploratory study of eye movement in both the pres ence and absence of visual embellishments. Using a high-resolution eye-tracker (EyeLink Portable Duo), we observed small mean in creases in vertical and cross-column saccade rates among six par ticipants, with substantial variation among readers and no detected difference in comprehension accuracy. Mean subjective ratings for the data-light circular-glyph passage indicated it is more distract ing than its unembellished comparison passage. These exploratory observations differ from prior findings and motivate a larger, fully crossed study of inline graphics.