"Content simplification" can be interpreted in at least two ways:
In the latter interpretation, state of the art examples include Apple Safari's Reader functionality, Arc90's Readability (http://www.readability.com), and various mobile versions of websites (e.g. Amazon.com). In those cases, content simplification is approached as a binary--the content is either in its original form, or in its simplified form.
Other possible approaches to distraction reduction include:
A more radical approach to content simplification might involve going the opposite direction. Instead of providing a means to the user for simplifying content, start with the simplest content core, and provide means of expanding upon it to its fullest complexity. That is, allow users to gradually increase the complexity of the content and its interface as their needs deem fit and tolerance allows.
To be filled.
To be filled.
Download the mockup in AI format.
Figure 1. (above) Content simplification sliders (to be embedded into UIO)
Figure 2. (above) Default content
Figure 3. (above) Content, sans backgrounds
Figure 4. (above) Content, sans backgrounds, half of global interface off
Figure 5. (above) Content, sans backgrounds, global interface fully off
Figure 6. (above) Content, sans backgrounds, global interface fully off, content-local right-side interface off
Figure 7. (above) Content, sans backgrounds, global interface fully off, content-local left-side interface off
Figure 8. (above) Content, sans backgrounds, global interface fully off, content-local interface fully off
Figure 9. (above) Core content only (core content, sans backgrounds, global interface fully off, content-local interface fully off, content metadata off)