Speed Reader

A whole new way to read!

A vision-perception method called RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) flashes one word at a time on the screen in front of you.  You control the rate of speed yourself, as well as what content you want to read. Extra speed comes from the fact that you don't have to move your eyes around a page to read. Speed Reader has proven to be a very popular exhibit for both kids and adults.

What if you could double or triple your on-screen reading speed?

Speed Reader is an interactive reading exhibit that lets you do just that. It's not just about speed; it's a whole new way to read…and it's a lot of fun!

What is it?

Speed Reader uses a speed-reading method called RSVP (for Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) that allows people to learn to read up to 2000 words per minute. Because it flashes words or short phrases onto the screen in front of you, fixed in one spot, you don't have to move or refocus your eyes. That eye motion is what takes up a lot of the time people spend in reading fixed text, whether on a printed page or a screen.

Reading with RSVP is different than reading in books. It won't replace books. Instead it's a new kind of reading media altogether, a new way to experience text. For example, imagine using an RSVP reader on your cell phone or PDA. Using RSVP, people can increase their reading speed up to 2000 words per minute. In comparison, an average reader reads about 300 words per minute on a printed page. Most people find that they double their reading speed the first time they use Speed Reader.

Suggested for: general science exhibits, human perception or eye exhibits, new media exhbits.