Glancing

Glancing refers to a quick, brief look at something or someone, typically lasting only a fraction of a second. It contrasts with a stare, which is prolonged, and with a gaze that may be sustained for attention. A glance can be intentional, such as checking a clock or glancing at a passerby, or it can occur spontaneously as part of visual scanning or peripheral awareness.

In social interaction, glances convey information with minimal explicit communication. A glance can signal recognition, interest, suspicion, or distraction without turning the head or speaking. Mutual glances can establish or regulate eye contact norms, and repeated glances away can indicate disinterest or discomfort.

From a perceptual perspective, glancing relies on saccadic eye movements and peripheral vision. People often use peripheral vision to initiate a glance and then foveate briefly if further detail is needed. The brevity of glances makes them efficient for quick information gathering, but they provide limited detail.

Glancing has applications in design and research. In user interface design, the concept of glanceability refers to the ability to understand information at a glance. In literature and media, the term is used to describe moments when a character casts a meaningful look that carries subtext or foreshadowing. In psychology and eye-tracking studies, glances are analyzed to infer attention and interest.