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 RehabilitationEye-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.