Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Eye tracking allows us to observe the eye movements of the users, simplified, a scan path of the user reveals us what is drawing the attention or inattention of the user. Eye tracking can bring added value to user research by providing insights that would not be available with more conventional research methods, such as things that user is no longer recalling, or not realising they even took place. \n \nThe objective of this thesis was to find out how visual eye tracking data could be used as a medium to enhance the interaction and create shared understanding between users and designers, especially in the area of service design. Thorough structural literature review on eye tracking research revealed that the research papers on qualitative approach to eye tracking in real life context are lacking. Although eye tracking is usually analysed with statistical meas-ures, this study focused on discussing the use of the eye tracking qualitatively as a medium in the dialogue between users and designers (user dialogue), for creation of shared understanding. A pilot study was conducted to test the qualitative approach in practice in the library context with a mobile eye tracking device, a type of device suitable for real life context studies. The pilot examined the first impression of the library and how the library materials were found. The findings were used in the future workshop developing the library. \n \nAs a result of the thesis a model for collaborative sense making in the user dialogue called see eye to eye (ci2i) was developed. It is benefitting from the visual eye tracking data and serving the purposes of design empathy. The model was built upon the pilot experiences and the theories in the areas of eye tracking, dialogue, empathic design and user-centered designing with video and visualisations. A medium used in the model is gaze replay; it is a video which combines the eye movements’ video and the scene video as seen by the user. Interpretation takes place among users, designers and even with clients, such as service providers. The created model is documented in a well transferable manner and it describes the phases and crucial elements of the user dialogue enhanced by gaze replay. The Model yields user knowledge and understanding, benefitting the designers in creation of new services, or improvements of the current ones. Reflection of the model to the process of service design is given. However, wider application areas can be seen. \n \nThe thesis indicates that gaze replay serves as a catalyst towards a richer explanation. Applying visual eye tracking data in ci2i manner brings various stakeholders together for a constructive dialogue. It has the potential to reveal latent needs of the users and by creating a shared understanding it contributes to the creation of a holistic service experience. User dialogue provides possibility for a shared attention, which opens the mind and eyes for mutual interpretations between various stakeholders, and generates a common view point (see eye to eye). There are no right answers and no model results in ci2i. All what matters is a flow of meaning.
Source: Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen)
Author: Satu Hyökki
Language: English
Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W643431312