Nowadays, we are increasingly drawn to reading texts online. However, not every website or web page utilizes the same typography or fonts. Some texts may be more difficult to read, and thus take longer to read as well.
If you wish to optimize the time you spend reading texts on the web, this article is for you! Indeed, we are going to discuss a trendy new method that can enhance your online reading speed and improve your comprehension of texts. We will introduce you to “Bionic Reading”!
What is Bionic Reading?
One question lies at the heart of Bionic Reading: “Can we read more efficiently (quickly) while preserving and enhancing our comprehension of the text?”
This is likely the question that Swiss developer Renato Casuut pondered when he founded Bionic Reading. The goal of this tool is to propose a new method that enables easier reading and understanding of a text by “guiding the eyes through artificial fixation points.”
The principle of this method is to highlight parts of a word, allowing the brain to fill in the rest of the text. Thus, the initial letters of a word are bolded to focus the reader’s attention and enable the brain to complete the word.
Here’s an example of text using Bionic Reading versus a non-Bionic version:
Bionic Reading appears like this. You can see that the first letters of each word are bolded. The difference is striking between the two versions. In the “Bionic Reading” version, your brain can read faster than your eyes because it reduces the number of letters your eyes focus on. This allows for faster reading while maintaining comprehension of the text.
Why Use This Reading Method?
The promise offered by Bionic Reading is more than interesting. Reading faster and improving comprehension speaks to almost everyone. This reading method has numerous advantages. Here’s a non-exhaustive list:
- Time optimization
- Enhanced comprehension
- Improved reading comfort
- Better text accessibility (individuals suffering from dyslexia or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may experience improved reading comprehension)
Also read: Best accessibility practice for a website
The benefits of this reading method are not yet scientifically proven, but if you notice a positive difference in your reading, you might find this tool useful.
How to Use Bionic Reading?
Bionic Reading is gaining popularity and expanding on various platforms. It is possible to use this reading method on different websites. We will show you how to do this.
Bionic Reading Chrome Extension
Firstly, it’s important to know that the company has developed a Chrome extension to convert the text of any website into a page for Bionic Reading.
You can download the official Chrome extension “Bionic Reading.” By clicking on the extension on a webpage, a new page opens with your modified text. You can adjust various settings to enhance your reading experience (font size, spacing, etc.).
There are also other extensions in the same vein. Jiffy Reader is similar because it converts the text directly on the current page without opening a new one. You can also adjust the settings.
Bionic Reading Text Converter
Bionic Reading also offers an online text converter where you simply input the URL of a webpage or upload a file to get an automatic conversion. A page will open that is similar to the Chrome extension.
Bionic Reading API
Furthermore, the startup has created a freemium API to integrate this method into your applications or services. For more information, you can check the documentation.
Now it's your turn! You can test this new reading method and see if it suits you. Feel free to let us know on LinkedIn if Bionic Reading helps you read more efficiently; otherwise, you can check out our development offers for SEO-optimized and accessible Webflow websites.
