How Interface Elements for Page Turning in eBooks Affect Reader Preference

Abstract

Whether we are young or old, all of us have read many kinds of books and articles from an early age. Reading has influenced us at different stages of our lives, and with the development of modern technology, various kinds of electronic devices such as iPads, mobile phones, and kindles, have gradually taken part in our daily lives and now play an indispensable role. Recently, physical books have been replaced by a new style of literature – eBooks. What is an eBook? What elements affect judgment and attitude of readers to eBooks? How do different styles of interface design for page turning impact readers? These are the main issues needing to be illustrated and researched in this thesis. Elements of interface design such as page turning, content presentation, letterform, typography, illustration, picture, and audio, are all features of eBooks that may impact the reading experience. These elements affect different readers and guide them when they read. The purpose of this research was to investigate how the interface elements for page turning influences the preferences of readers with different backgrounds. A case study investigation of current page turning norms was also undertaken. The case study identified the common interactive elements of page-turning methods typically used in eBooks. This thesis demonstrates that readers with different backgrounds had preferences for different interactive page turning methods. These preferences were impacted by age, gender, occupation and qualification differences amongst the readers who participated. The conclusion is that readers with different backgrounds will prefer different types of interactive elements for page turning.