Spritz: Speed Reading for Video Walkthroughs

Live Demo: Nicely Said Principles

Experience the five principles of clear writing through RSVP speed reading. Use keyboard shortcuts: Space to play/pause, ←/→ to skip, ↑/↓ to adjust speed.

Abstract

Traditional reading requires eye movement across lines of text. Each jump between words (called a saccade) takes time and cognitive effort. What if we could eliminate eye movement entirely?

Spritz uses Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to display one word at a time in a fixed position. The Optimal Recognition Point (ORP)—the letter where your eye naturally wants to focus—is highlighted and aligned consistently across all words.

"Reading is not about eye speed. It's about recognition speed. Fix the eye, stream the words."

Video Intro/Transition/Outro

Use arrays of labeled messages for walkthrough videos. Each segment displays a label above the redicle (the word display window).

How It Works

The ORP Algorithm

The Optimal Recognition Point is calculated based on word length. Research shows the eye naturally wants to fixate slightly left of center:

Punctuation Pauses

Words ending with punctuation receive longer display times to preserve natural reading rhythm:

• , : ; — 1.5× base duration
• . ? ! — 2× base duration

Clean Display for Recording

Hide controls for clean screen capture. Perfect for video production.

Click to focus, then press Space to start.

Implementation

Svelte Component

<script>
  import { Spritz } from '@create-something/spritz';
</script>

<Spritz
  content="Your text here"
  wpm={350}
  showControls
/>

Multiple Messages

<Spritz
  content={[
    { label: 'Intro', text: 'Welcome to the demo.' },
    { label: 'Main', text: 'This is the content.' },
    { label: 'Outro', text: 'Thanks for watching.' }
  ]}
  loop
/>

Vanilla JavaScript

import { SpritzEngine } from '@create-something/spritz/vanilla';

const engine = new SpritzEngine({
  onWord: (word, orpIndex) => {
    // Render word with ORP at orpIndex
  },
  wpm: 300
});

engine.setText('Your text here');
engine.play();

Philosophical Alignment

Rams Principle 10: As Little Design as Possible

The interface is minimal: one word, one focal point, essential controls only. Everything serves comprehension. Nothing decorates.

Heidegger: Zuhandenheit (Ready-to-Hand)

When reading flows, the tool disappears. You don't see the redicle, the ORP marker, the progress bar—you see meaning. The interface recedes into transparent use.

Nicely Said: Words That Work

RSVP enforces clarity. When every word is isolated, filler becomes obvious. Spritz doesn't just display words faster—it reveals which words matter.

"The tool recedes; understanding remains."

Use Cases

Conclusion

Spritz applies the Subtractive Triad to reading: remove eye movement (DRY), keep only essential interface elements (Rams), serve understanding over features (Heidegger).

For video walkthroughs, the same content can be recorded for video and embedded as interactive documentation. Single source, multiple uses. The words remain the same; the medium adapts.

"Less, but better."