Abstract
Reading comprehension is essential for accessing scientific knowledge, yet many students, especially non native readers, struggle to understand complex academic texts. Comprehension theory shows that understanding requires the coordinated interaction of multiple subskills and the construction of a coherent situation model. Existing reading support systems typically address only isolated aspects such as summarization or simplification, resulting in superficial understanding. We present PaperMate, a canvas based reading support system designed to support situation model construction. Grounded in the Active Reader View, the artifact integrates simplification, structural guidance, essentialization, and contextual clarification within a unified and user controlled interface. This enables readers to flexibly combine support based on individual needs. The artifact was developed through multiple iterative design cycles including proof of concept, proof of value, laboratory studies, and field tests, and is continuously refined. The work demonstrates how holistic reading support can be operationalized in a concrete artifact and contributes to theory grounded design of reading support systems.