Description: Gaze tracking is the process of measuring where a person is looking, often used in user interaction studies. This technology is based on capturing and analyzing eye movements, allowing researchers and developers to understand how users interact with different interfaces, whether physical or digital. Through devices like cameras and sensors, gaze tracking can identify points of interest, attention and distraction patterns, as well as the duration of fixation on certain elements. This provides valuable information about user experience, helping to optimize the design of products and services. Additionally, gaze tracking has been integrated into augmented and virtual reality applications, where interaction is based on the user’s gaze direction, enhancing immersion and usability. In the research field, it is used to study cognition and perception, revealing how people process visual information and make decisions. In summary, gaze tracking is a powerful tool that combines computer vision technology with human behavioral psychology, offering a deeper understanding of human-computer interaction.
History: Gaze tracking has its roots in psychological research and computer vision technology. Early experiments on eye tracking date back to the 1950s when the first devices were developed to measure gaze position. However, it was in the 1990s that the technology began to advance significantly with the introduction of high-speed cameras and image processing algorithms. From 2000 onwards, gaze tracking became popular in the field of usability research and human-computer interaction, thanks to improvements in the accuracy and accessibility of devices. Today, gaze tracking is used in various applications, from advertising to neuroscience.
Uses: Gaze tracking is used in multiple fields, including usability research, where it helps understand how users interact with digital interfaces. It is also applied in video game design, allowing developers to create more immersive experiences. In the medical field, it is used to assess neurological disorders and in rehabilitation therapies. Additionally, it has been integrated into augmented and virtual reality technologies, enhancing user interaction by allowing gaze to control elements within the virtual environment.
Examples: An example of gaze tracking is Tobii software, which is used in usability studies to analyze how users navigate websites. Another case is the use of this technology in video games like ‘EyeMine’, which allows players to control the game solely with their gaze. In the medical field, applications have been developed that use gaze tracking to help diagnose and treat disorders such as autism.
