SwiftsReader is not built on assumptions — it is built on evidence. When we say RSVP reading improves comprehension for ADHD readers, we cite the study. When we say wider letter spacing helps dyslexic readers, we cite the guideline. This page is our full accountability record.
RSVP Reading
Research supporting Rapid Serial Visual Presentation as an effective reading method for ADHD
Reading Without Eye Movements: Improving Reading Comprehension in Young Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
SwiftsReader finding: Comparing normal reading, paced word-at-a-time reading, and RSVP (minimal eye movement), ADHD participants comprehended best with RSVP — outperforming neurotypical control participants in the same condition by almost 13%. Controls' comprehension was reduced under RSVP, suggesting the eye-movement demands of standard reading specifically interfere with comprehension in ADHD, an interference RSVP removes.
⚡ RSVP Reader
Dyslexia Mode
Typography, colour and spacing guidelines for dyslexic readers
British Dyslexia Association Style Guide: Creating Dyslexia-Friendly Text
SwiftsReader finding: Recommends increased letter spacing (0.12em), word spacing (0.16em), a line height around 1.8, warm/off-white backgrounds rather than pure white, and sans-serif fonts — all implemented in SwiftsReader's Dyslexia Mode.
🎨 Dyslexia Mode
Extra-Large Letter Spacing Improves Reading in Dyslexia
SwiftsReader finding: Extra-large letter spacing significantly reduced reading errors and increased reading speed in dyslexic children, attributed to reduced "crowding" (a perceptual effect where nearby letters interfere with recognition) that dyslexic readers are abnormally sensitive to.
🎨 Dyslexia Mode
The Effect of a Specialized Dyslexia Font, OpenDyslexic, on Reading Rate and Accuracy
Honest finding, not spun: This study found no measurable improvement in reading rate or accuracy with OpenDyslexic versus standard fonts, and no clear reader preference for it either. We offer it as an opt-in choice for readers who simply find it more comfortable, not as a proven-efficacy default — the evidence doesn't support presenting it as more than that.
🎨 Dyslexia Mode
Smart Break System
Evidence for structured rest intervals in improving sustained attention
Understanding Effort Regulation: Comparing 'Pomodoro' Breaks and Self-Regulated Breaks
SwiftsReader finding: This study examined structured (Pomodoro-style) versus self-regulated breaks during self-study, not an ADHD-specific population — we cite it as general evidence for structured rest intervals supporting sustained effort, which informs SwiftsReader's break reminders, not as ADHD-specific proof.
⏰ Break Reminders
HD Voice Audio Reader
Dual-channel input (reading + listening) and text-to-speech for academic content
Does Use of Text-to-Speech and Related Read-Aloud Tools Improve Reading Comprehension for Students With Reading Disabilities? A Meta-Analysis
SwiftsReader finding: Meta-analysis of 22 studies (2,942 participants) found a moderate, consistent positive effect (d = 0.35) of text-to-speech and read-aloud tools on comprehension for students with reading difficulties — the review specifically names word-highlighting-as-read among the read-aloud features studied, directly supporting SwiftsReader's word-synchronised HD Voice design.
🎧 HD Voice
AI Section Summaries
Research on pre-reading strategies and cognitive load reduction
Graphic Organizers and Students with Learning Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis
SwiftsReader finding: Meta-analysis of 16 studies (808 students with learning disabilities) found graphic organizers and structured previews produced moderate-to-large improvements in comprehension, vocabulary, and inferential knowledge — supporting SwiftsReader's structured, section-by-section AI summaries and Mind Map as pre-reading/comprehension aids.
🧠 AI Summaries
ADHD & Executive Function
The foundational neuroscience behind SwiftsReader's user experience design
Validity of the Executive Function Theory of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Meta-Analytic Review
SwiftsReader finding: Meta-analysis of 83 studies (3,734 individuals with ADHD vs. 2,969 without) found significant, medium-sized deficits (d = 0.46–0.69) across executive function measures — strongest for response inhibition and vigilance. Academic reading draws on exactly these functions, explaining why standard reading is disproportionately difficult for ADHD readers.
🔬 Core Design Principle
This bibliography is updated as SwiftsReader adds new features. If you are a researcher working in ADHD, dyslexia, or reading accessibility and would like to suggest a relevant study, please contact us at hello@swiftsreader.com.