Textdauer

Textdauer is a term used in German-language media studies and human–computer interaction to describe the temporal dimension of textual information. It denotes the duration for which a piece of text is displayed and the amount of time a reader has to process it. The concept encompasses both how long text remains visible and how long is necessary for adequate comprehension, depending on context, font, layout, and reader ability.

In practice, Textdauer is considered in several areas. In subtitling and captions, it informs display timing to balance legibility with narrative pacing. In user interface design, it affects tooltips, annotations, and on-screen messages to prevent cognitive overload and to align with users’ reading speed. In education and information visualization, Textdauer relates to how long textual explanations accompany graphics or animations to support learning.

Measurement and design considerations often involve estimates of reading time, dwell time, and eye-tracking data. Factors such as reading speed, line length, font size, contrast, and the complexity of the text influence the optimal Textdauer. Dynamic or animated text adds another layer, as persistence must be coordinated with visual actions to avoid distraction or overlap.

Limitations include a lack of universal standards for Textdauer and significant cross-linguistic variation in reading rates. As media formats evolve, researchers and designers continue to refine guidelines for comfortable and effective text exposure. Related concepts include reading time, caption timing, and readability in interface design.