The aim of this work is to show a critical review of the international literature on eye-tracking technologies by focusing on the aspects that allow them to become ‘psychotechnologies’, i.e. any technology ‘emulating, extending, amplifying or modifying sensory-motor, psychological or cognitive functions of the mind’ [1,2]. The main purpose is to analyse the eye-tracking literature in light of the evaluation, rehabilitation and learning contexts. Research has been conducted on the main electronic databases through the keywords ‘eye-tracking’, ‘eye-tracker’ or ‘eye gaze tracking’, paying special attention to input devices. We found 46 studies which fell into four thematic areas: ‘human computer interaction’ (18 results); ‘cognitive processes’ (nine results); ‘developmental age’ (six results) and ‘assistive technologies’ (13 results). Although all these studies share a methodological approach which plays a key role in the evaluation and rehabilitation context involving people with disabilities, most of them do not embrace a user-centred approach. In order to fully benefit from the communicative functions of gaze, the research on eye-tracking must improve both techniques and methods by emphasising user experience: this can be done only by focusing less on the characteristics of the task and more on users’ needs.
A psychotechnological review on eye-tracking systems: towards user experience
MELE, MARIA LAURA;FEDERICI, Stefano
2012
Abstract
The aim of this work is to show a critical review of the international literature on eye-tracking technologies by focusing on the aspects that allow them to become ‘psychotechnologies’, i.e. any technology ‘emulating, extending, amplifying or modifying sensory-motor, psychological or cognitive functions of the mind’ [1,2]. The main purpose is to analyse the eye-tracking literature in light of the evaluation, rehabilitation and learning contexts. Research has been conducted on the main electronic databases through the keywords ‘eye-tracking’, ‘eye-tracker’ or ‘eye gaze tracking’, paying special attention to input devices. We found 46 studies which fell into four thematic areas: ‘human computer interaction’ (18 results); ‘cognitive processes’ (nine results); ‘developmental age’ (six results) and ‘assistive technologies’ (13 results). Although all these studies share a methodological approach which plays a key role in the evaluation and rehabilitation context involving people with disabilities, most of them do not embrace a user-centred approach. In order to fully benefit from the communicative functions of gaze, the research on eye-tracking must improve both techniques and methods by emphasising user experience: this can be done only by focusing less on the characteristics of the task and more on users’ needs.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
