Measuring Cognitive Load using Eye Tracking Technology in Visual Computing

Abstract

In this position paper we encourage the use of eye tracking measurements to investigate users' cognitive load while interacting with a system. We start with an overview of how eye movements can be interpreted to provide insight about cognitive processes and present a descriptive model representing the relations of eye movements and cognitive load. Then, we discuss how specific characteristics of human-computer interaction (HCI) interfere with the model and impede the application of eye tracking data to measure cognitive load in visual computing. As a result, we present a refined model, embedding the characteristics of HCI into the relation of eye tracking data and cognitive load. Based on this, we argue that eye tracking should be considered as a valuable instrument to analyze cognitive processes in visual computing and suggest future research directions to tackle outstanding issues.

Does Augmented Reality Effectively Foster Visual Learning Process in Construction? An Eye‐Tracking Study in Steel Installation

“…Generally, for the learning process, both longer fixation duration and lower fixation rates indicate higher cognitive load, and more fixation counts mean less efficient information processing. Moreover, a long average fixation duration means that deeper information processing is led by the complexity of the background information [32,35,36]. Besides, the attentional guidance hypothesis proposes that participants pay more attention to salient elements than other elements, which leads to longer fixation times [37].…”

A Survey on the Usage of Eye-Tracking in Computer Programming

“…• Palmer and Sharif (2016) introduced a fixation shift algorithm in an attempt to correct the location of a fixation automatically, in cases of fixation drift or calibration inaccuracy. • Zagermann et al (2016) discussed the use of eye tracking technology in programming and the relation between eye tracking data and cognitive load in programming.…”

“…In a recent review, Bylinskii et al (2015) provided a possible interpretations of eye-tracking metrics in relation to information visualization. Similarly, Zagermann et al (2016) discusses the relation between eye-tracking data and the cognitive load in relation to visual computing. Based on the work of Bylinskii et al (2015) and Zagermann et al (2016), and from the literature reviewed in this study, we will try to briefly touch on the relation between some variables and the eye-tracking metrics and their relation to programming, while leave an extended study on this subject for possible future qualitative review.…”

“…Similarly, Zagermann et al (2016) discusses the relation between eye-tracking data and the cognitive load in relation to visual computing. Based on the work of Bylinskii et al (2015) and Zagermann et al (2016), and from the literature reviewed in this study, we will try to briefly touch on the relation between some variables and the eye-tracking metrics and their relation to programming, while leave an extended study on this subject for possible future qualitative review. For instant, viewing pattens variable can be studied using the eye-tracking metrics of attention switching and scan-path.…”

Study on Applications of Eye Tracking in Different Fields

“…Another study by Johannes [8] disclose the eye tracker to be valuable as a measurement to analyze cognitive processes in visual computing. A similar result [9] was concluded by user experiences of instant message (IM) applications integrating subjective questionnaires and objective eye tracking technologies.…”