A new reading app is about to go public that will allow you to speed read through electronic reading materials. The app is called Spritz and it relies on Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to actually help you read faster.
But to understand how RSVP works, we must first understand how our eyes function in relation to reading.
Typically, our eyes move back and forth when they read in order to scan letters and translate them into words. Those words make sentences and those sentences take up lines. When you get to the end of line, your eye travels down to the next line. Interpreting words and maneuvering through paragraphs and pages – this all take time.
With the Spritz app, the word moves instead of your eyes. As words flash on the screen one at a time, your eyes stay stationary, allowing you the opportunity to instantly process information without the delay of eye movements or word decoding.
This is accomplished through manipulating what is called the Optimal Recognition Point (ORP). Basically, our eyes begin to recognize and make sense of a word when they see the letters slightly left of the center of that word. (For example, we recognize the word “Welcome” once our eyes hit the letter “L”.) Spritz identifies the ORP of every word and makes that letter standout in red, so your eyes need not move. Instead, they go directly to the ORP to immediately decipher the words on the screen in record speeds.
In fact, Spritz claims it can make you read up to three times faster. (The average college grad reads at a rate of 300 words per minute, but Spritz readers can set a speed of up to 1,000 words per minute.)
I actually took the Spritz test and, I must admit, word identification was instantaneous. I read so fast, I wasn’t sprinting through the sentences, I was Spritzing through them. But, did I comprehend anything? Did I enjoy what I was reading? In our teck-tock worlds, I know time is of the essence, but I firmly believe some things are meant to be savored – a fine wine, a good book. I’m not sure we should be rushing through acts of enjoyment or pursuits of knowledge. We lose out on the fun and the information. What do we gain in its place?
So in regards to RSVP technology, if you’re looking for my RSVP, I’m going to respectfully decline jumping on the band wagon. However, I’m fascinated by the science and encourage you to check out www.spritzinc.com to draw your own conclusions…