Eye Tracking on Text Reading with Visual Enhancements

Abstract

The interplay between text and visualization is gaining importance for media where traditional text is enriched by visual elements to improve readability and emphasize facts. In two controlled eye-tracking experiments (N = 12), we approach answers to the question: How do visualization techniques influence reading behavior? We compare plain text to that marked with highlights, icons, and word-sized data visualizations. We assess quantitative metrics (eye movement, completion time, error rate) and subjective feedback (personal preference and ratings). The results indicate that visualization techniques, especially in the first experiment, show promising trends for improved reading behavior. The results also show the need for further research to make reading more effective and inform suggestions for future studies.