Determining optimal print layout for best reading performance in Chinese

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of Chinese print layout on reading performance. Reading performance is defined in this research as the integration of two quality characteristic values: reader speed of reading and the level of comprehension of printed text materials. The results of the research can be used to determine what print format facilitates optimum reading performance. For this research, previous studies were first used to define the factors affecting reading performance. Based on these studies, it was determined that the factors are text-direction arrangement, block arrangement on the page, font size, line spacing, and the age of the readers. Next, a fractional factorial experiment was conducted utilizing Taguchi Quality Engineering Methods – an L18 (21 × 37) design. Finally, a performance-management matrix was applied to determine and analyze the optimal combination of reading-performance factors and levels. The study found that optimal reading performance was realized with text printed horizontally in two blocks per page, in an 11-point size, with line spacing at an exact height of 1.5 times the font size in Microsoft Word, and read by readers in the 21-to-60-year-old age range. The results of the survey may be useful as reference for those who design print formats for Chinese-language newspapers, magazines, and professional journals.