Cognitive Science of Media and Reading-and-Writing

Abstract

This paper summarizes findings obtained from comparing studies of reading and writing from paper and from electronic media. It also shows suggestions to build digital environments to support reading and writing. From these studies, we have found that reasons why the reading digitally does not reach to the reading on paper were due to the operability of media rather than visibility. Moreover, cognitive load of typing is high and, when using digital drawing tools, users tend to focus on arranging drawing pictures rather than on resolving design problems. To overcome these problems of digital media, this research suggests that (1) we should pursue our research in improving the operability of media rather than visibility, (2) we should allow users to do actions during reading and writing with low cognitive load, and (3) we should not lead a wrong thinking mode.