University of Insubria

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Serious Game in Enhancing Word Reading Speed

This study evaluates Tachistoscopio, a tablet-based serious game that gamifies tachistoscopic reading, a technique in which words are shown briefly and must be reproduced by the reader, with the goal of improving word reading speed in children.

• Tachistoscopio, a tablet-based serious game built on tachistoscopic word presentation, was tested on the question of whether it can improve word reading speed in children, addressing three aims: discriminating proficiency levels, usability/appeal, and short-term training gains.
• In an early study of 28 second and third graders, the game distinguished grade levels, with third graders reading at 2.24 syllables/second versus 1.30 for second graders (p<0.001), and showing significantly higher accuracy.
• Usability was rated excellent with a Pictorial System Usability Scale score of 86.2, children found the game highly enjoyable and not boring, and no significant gender differences were observed.