The lexiaProject Public GUI Initiative is a project to create a better graphical user interface (GUI) for reading extended texts on a computer screen. The project uses a new technique, called vertical serial text presentation (VSTP) in combination with a unique interface widget to accommodate rapid, hands-free reading.

The goals of this project stand in strong contrast to the existing commercial efforts by the software giants Microsoft, Adobe and Gemstar (and their respective content partners) who seem to believe that replicating the appearance of a paper-bound book on screen is better than leveraging the inherent advantages of an interactive medium. The Glassbook interface, which was recently purchased by Adobe, even goes so far as to provide a special mode where you can turn your laptop 90 degrees and hold it on your lap like a book!

As project host, I hope to involve both developer and academic communities in the authoring of a freely available, cross-platform lexiaReader application. The intent is to encourage widespread adoption by making the lexiaProject's VSTP technique and interface controls freely available under the terms of the Open Content License.

This site is not an open source project because I'm an information designer, not a developer. What I have to share is an expression of one possible solution to the reading problem, rendered using the language of GUI design, based on these core concepts:

• Reading is a temporal act
• Reading is a modal act
• Reading rates vary amongst readers

The lexiaProject currently exists as a proof of concept Java applet and a few animated demos. (Source code is available for the Java applet, but it's hardly bulletproof.)

This site requires frames, Java and an open mind.

Cheers,