Eye Movement in User Experience and Human–Computer Interaction Research

Abstract

Eye-movement measures are popular in user experience (UX) and human–computer interaction (HCI) research as a way to provide insights into the factors that hinder the usability of computer-based technologies. In this chapter, we overview the various eye-movement metrics employed in UX and HCI research. In addition, we summarize studies that have used these metrics, focusing on examples of both pioneering research involving relatively simple and static interfaces as well as recent research involving more complex and dynamic interfaces (e.g., as arise in mobile computing). We also examine ongoing trends in eye-movement research in relation to UX and HCI, including the application of eye movements as an input mechanism, the use of eye-movement traces to elicit retrospective reports of interface problems, and the drive toward the automated identification and categorization of eye-movement patterns that are diagnostic of interaction difficulties.