12.2 Reading from Paper versus from Displays

Potential Disadvantages to Reading from Displays

• Poor fonts, especially on low resolution displays
• Low contrast between characters and the background
• Fuzzy character boundaries
• Emitted light from displays may be more difficult to read by than reflected light from paper
• Glare may be greater on displays
• Screen flicker can be a problem
• Curved display surface may be problem
• Small displays require more frequent page turning
• Reading distance can be greater than for paper
• Displays are fixed in place
• Display placement may be too high for comfortable reading
• Layout and formatting problems
• Reduced hand and body motions with displays as compared to paper may be fatiguing
• Rigid posture for displays may also be fatiguing
• Unfamiliarity of displays and the anxiety that the image may disappear can increase stress