Envisioning the Next-Gen Document Reader

TL;DR

This paper envisions a next-generation digital document reader that integrates NLP features and a customizable plugin marketplace to enhance user understanding and interaction beyond static reading.

Contribution

It introduces 18 NLP-powered features and a novel plugin marketplace to transform traditional document readers into interactive, personalized tools.

Findings

Designed 3 prototype interfaces demonstrating the concept

Proposed 18 NLP features to improve document interaction

Outlined a customizable plugin marketplace for user-specific enhancements

Abstract

People read digital documents on a daily basis to share, exchange, and understand information in electronic settings. However, current document readers create a static, isolated reading experience, which does not support users' goals of gaining more knowledge and performing additional tasks through document interaction. In this work, we present our vision for the next-gen document reader that strives to enhance user understanding and create a more connected, trustworthy information experience. We describe 18 NLP-powered features to add to existing document readers and propose a novel plug-in marketplace that allows users to further customize their reading experience, as demonstrated through 3 exploratory UI prototypes available at https://github.com/catherinesyeh/nextgen-prototypes