The interplay of user preference and precision in different gaze-based interaction methods

2025-01-10

AI Summary

This study investigates differences in user experience and accuracy across eye-tracking interaction paradigms—and how these differences are moderated by gender. In a VR-based visual search task, we compared four interaction methods: gaze dwell, head orientation confirmation, nodding confirmation, and smooth pursuit. We collected objective performance metrics (reaction time, accuracy, task completion time) and subjective workload (NASA-TLX) from 52 participants, supplemented by synchronized eye- and head-movement tracking data. Results reveal significant differences across paradigms in cognitive workload, target detection efficiency, and overall task performance. Critically, we provide the first empirical evidence of systematic gender-based modulation: females outperformed males in gaze dwell and smooth pursuit, whereas males exhibited advantages in head- and nodding-based confirmation. These findings establish gender as a key moderating factor in oculomotor interaction efficacy. The results offer critical empirical support and novel design principles for developing personalized, adaptive eye-tracking interfaces.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Computer Vision: Multi-modal Vision
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Security and Privacy: Data transparency and provenance
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics

Abstract

In this study, we investigated gaze-based interaction methods within a virtual reality game with a visual search task with 52 participants. We compared four different interaction techniques: Selection by dwell time or confirmation of selection by head orientation, nodding or smooth pursuit eye movements. We evaluated both subjective and objective performance metrics, including NASA-TLX for subjective task load as well as time to find the correct targets and points achieved for objective analysis. The results showed significant differences between the interaction methods in terms of NASA TLX dimensions, time to find the right targets, and overall performance scores, suggesting differential effectiveness of gaze-based approaches in improving intuitive system communication. Interestingly, the results revealed gender-specific differences, suggesting interesting implications for the design of gaze-based interaction paradigms that are optimized for different user needs and preferences. These findings could help to develop more customized and effective gaze interaction systems that can improve accessibility and user satisfaction.

Problem

• Eye-controlled Interaction
• User Experience
• Gender Influence

Innovation

• Virtual Reality Gaming
• Eye-Tracking Interaction Methods
• Gender Differences in User Experience