Journal Issues

Abstract- This study examines how the physical act of turning pages in printed books influences the reading experience and whether this act can be replicated in a digital environment. Printed books provide a continuous tactile process that supports comprehension, immersion, and emotional comfort, whereas electronic books offer convenience but often lack the physical qualities that support a stable reading flow. To explore this issue, a prototype system was developed using an ultra-thin material designed to produce a tactile sensation similar to turning paper pages. An experiment was conducted with thirty-one participants who read short stories by Osamu Dazai using printed books, electronic books, and the prototype system. After each session, participants completed a questionnaire assessing 12 items across four categories—reading quality, physical comfort, medium features, and post-reading impressions—and provided free descriptions. The results showed apparent differences among the three media. Printed books received the highest ratings in comprehension, immersion, emotional comfort, and overall satisfaction. Electronic books were positively evaluated for convenience, but were often associated with eye fatigue and reduced immersion. The prototype system produced mixed responses. Quantitative results indicated that comprehension, immersion, and a sense of uniqueness were strongly associated with satisfaction, whereas qualitative comments suggested that tactile sensations facilitated a sense of progress during reading. However, unfamiliar operations reduced usability for some participants. These findings suggest that tactile page-turning provides experiential value absent from conventional electronic reading, demonstrating the potential of integrating physical interaction into digital reading environments.

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