A psychotechnological review on eye-tracking systems: towards user experience

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present work is to show a critical review of the international literature on eye-tracking technologies by focusing on those features that characterize them as ‘psychotechnologies’. Method: A critical literature review was conducted through the main psychology, engineering, and computer sciences databases by following specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 46 matches from 1998 to 2010 were selected for content analysis. Results have been divided into four broad thematic areas. Results: We found that, although there is a growing attention to end-users, most of the studies reviewed in this work are far from being considered as adopting holistic human-computer interaction models that include both individual differences and needs of users. User is often considered only as a measurement object of the functioning of the technological system and not as a real alter-ego of the intrasystemic interaction. Conclusion: In order to fully benefit from the communicative functions of gaze, the research on eye-tracking must emphasize user experience. Eye-tracking systems would become an effective assistive technology for integration, adaptation and neutralization of the environmental barrier only when a holistic model can be applied for both design processes and assessment of the functional components of the interaction.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Eye-tracking methodologies facilitates communicative functions of gaze favoring a successful outcome in many areas of rehabilitation.

• Eye-tracking systems would be an effective assistive technology for integration, adaptation and neutralization of the environmental barrier.

• Successful rehabilitation outcomes are improved when a holistic and interactive model is applied for both design processes and assessment of the functional components of the interaction.

Keywords::

• Assistive technology
• eye gaze tracking
• human computer interaction
• psychotechnology

Declaration of Interest: The preparation of the present Review has been supported by the research grant and advisory of Leonarda Vaccari Institute, Centre for Rehabilitation, Integration and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Rome (IT). The authors report no conflict of interest.