After staring at this page for a couple of minutes, I came up with the following:

I would much prefer it, if the old part was darker, rather than the new part. I found that my attention was being drawn to the part I had already read rather than the new text.

In reality, I don't think I would use this option if it was available. I prefer to use a landmark in the page (paragraph break, or graphic) to re-orient myself after a page up/down. If there are no landmarks in the right position, then I will use the scrollbar to move the page so that I can keep a fix on my current position.

Posted by: Mac on September 16, 2002 07:35 AM

 

I realized after reading this little article that I use a different method. I highlight a small amount of text near where I was reading. Then, I scroll to that highlighted area and begin reading again. I have done this so often and so long that I didn't realize that I have been doing it. It is automatic and I guess it must be very effective for me.

In reference to Mac's comment, my method yields landmarks. However, rather than worrying about various scrolling effects (e.g., screen jumps) the landmarks are personalized.

Do others do this? If yes, did you realize you were doing it? How long have you done it? If no, what tactics do you use?

Posted by: John S. Rhodes on September 16, 2002 08:13 AM

 

It's hard to determine now that I'm thinking when I'm scrolling. I think I highlight like John when I page down, but don't bother if I'm scrolling only a few paragraphs using the mouse wheel.

Posted by: Jack on September 16, 2002 09:43 AM

 

Damn it, now you've made me think about how I page through things I've completely forgotten how I do it. Its the same as forgetting my pin when I try to remember it at the atm, and forgetting how to walk once I've had a few pints of scrumpy (or maybe that's something else!).

Posted by: Mac on September 16, 2002 09:57 AM

 

Thinking about it, I realise that I tend to scroll frequently, keeping the content I'm reading near the top of the page at all times. I rarely get near the bootom of the screen before scrolling. I hadn't thought about why I do this, but perhaps this is the reason?

Posted by: Alan Fisher on September 16, 2002 11:22 AM

 

Gets me thinking about paging versus scrolling. However, getting back on topic, now I am VERY curious about how people scroll. I think most of us really hadn't ever thought about how we actually scroll and read content. I did a netcheck but couldn't find any good research. What have you got on the topic?

Posted by: John S. Rhodes on September 16, 2002 01:29 PM

 

Funny you should ask that - I'm getting ready to begin a paging vs. scrolling study even as we speak. It'll be ready in time for the next SURL newsletter.

There's a project we did a year ago on paging vs. scrolling in search results. Mike and I will be presenting this one at HFES in a couple of weeks. Somewhat related is the article on online news formats from the last newsletter

Also, Dyson & Kipling have a couple of good articles on the subject. (Sorry, I don't have any urls for them.)

Posted by: Ryan on September 16, 2002 04:16 PM

 

I page down, keeping the previous pages in my memory. Makes it easier to keep seperate in my mind.

Posted by: Morris Cox on September 16, 2002 08:21 PM

 

I read everything on the display, then page down to align the next chunk of text at the top of the screen.

Posted by: jan on September 17, 2002 12:55 PM

 

This was one of the standard features of most text editors on the Amiga. I don't see anything original except for the fading effect.

Posted by: Timo on September 21, 2002 06:15 AM