Effects on reading performance of indention patterns in a Chinese sign

This study investigated the effects of the use of indention in a public Chinese sign which can provide the reader with cues for the appropriate eye direction for reading a sign which facilitates reading. The between-subjects design had repeated observations on the indention design. The right or left column was indented in a Chinese sign of only two columns. 144 college students in Taiwan who served as subjects were divided into two groups by their reading comprehension and shown stimuli in a tachistoscope. Analysis showed that an indented design significantly reduced reading time but did not change accuracy rate. This result was consistent with the results of Duchnicky and Kolers' 1983 study and indicated that a reader can maintain accuracy while reducing reading time when reading a text designed with different kinds of indention layout. These results might aid designers of Chinese warning signs, especially for readers with lower reading scores.