RSVP Reading
“RSVP” stands for “Rapid Serial Visual Presentation”. I found out about it from watching a reel of an “ESP32” based RSVP device. Instead of spending $30 buying the same device and flashing it, I found a free version on the app store. I wanted to go down the ESP32 route to play and learn “microcontroller” programming, but I have a phone, so I’ll resign myself. I also wanted to write my own RSVP app, but I found an app which met my needs. The app is called Stasis and is available on iOS.
RSVP isn’t anything new. It has been studied in the 90s. Though, the idea has only recently become popular and well-implemented. The main benefit is the removal of “saccadic eye movements”, which translates to “no eye movement”. RSVP speeds up reading by getting rid of the need to scan the page. It displays single words rapidly at speeds of 300-1000 “WPM”.
There has been previous research suggesting increased speed decreases reading comprehension. I agree with the research. However, it’s a bit misleading. The papers I’ve read focused on comprehension as determined by the RSVP speed. I argue comprehension isn’t influenced by reading speed. Instead, low reading speed is a proxy for comprehension-increasing behaviors. Reading “slowly” isn’t reading each word one-by-one; rather, it is going back to understand a section or interpreting an unclear metaphor.
The benefit I see is the UX. Maybe I have been trained towards this format, but reading in RSVP feels “natural”. Whatever format lets you read more is a good format.