Effect of curved text upon readability of print

Abstract

"(1) This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of curved text upon speed of reading and upon visibility of word forms. (2) The subjects were 104 college students, 52 in each of the subgroups. (3) The rate of reading curved print was significantly slower than for flat copy. (4) Visibility or ease of perceiving words was reduced significantly for curved text in comparison with flat text. (5) The retardation in speed of reading curved text seems to be due largely to reduced visibility of word forms… . (6) It is suggested that wider inner margins be employed in large books and magazines to avoid the marked curvature of the printed page… in such volumes." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)