Does BeeLine Reader’s gradient-coloured font improve the readability of digital texts for beginning readers?

In two reading experiments, we examined the efficacy of commercial assistance application BeeLine Reader which colours letters digital texts in gradients. According to its developers, increases speed, improves comprehension, and makes more enjoyable. We tested these hypotheses for second- third-grade pupils (6–9 years old), assessing influence several layouts varied other features that are known impact processes beginning readers (line spacing, line length, text segmentation). comparison control with a standard black font, time advantages emerged second grade (not third grade) when they read long lines little inter-line spacing. However, second-grade processed were optimized their level (texts short sufficient spacing) displayed slower pace font than font. Furthermore, may hamper comprehension rated as difficult less convenient process conclusion, visual anchors offered by be useful some situations but can also impede readability texts. These findings emphasize claims made applications should formally if going introduced into educational settings. • speed layout. decreases an easy readers. Beginning prefer over Digital before applied