Switched Reading: Toward Seamless Visual-Auditory Switching When Reading Text in Augmented/Mixed Reality

Abstract

Augmented/mixed reality (AR/MR) wearable glasses now permit information interaction anywhere, but visual displays can be inappropriate when real-world awareness is essential. We propose Switched Reading, a novel interaction framework for reading text in AR/MR that supports switching between visual and auditory modalities as needed. Specifically, we explore two key interaction techniques within this framework: (1) gaze-based voice playback and (2) a correspondence-aware transition effect. We implemented them on an MR headset through a parameter-tuning user test. Next, we conducted a user study (N=16) to investigate the impact of the two techniques on reading performance and overall user experience with simulated modality switching in virtual reality. The results show that the condition combining both techniques was the most preferred among four conditions. Moreover, we found that the gaze-based voice playback reduced gaze offsets when switching modalities and improved reading speed over the baseline condition using scroll position. Finally, we implemented a Switched Reading application for reading while walking and collected user feedback, yielding further design implications for practical use.