Silmänliikekuvaajat

Silmänliikekuvaajat, often translated as eye trackers, are devices used to measure eye positions and movements. They record the location of the gaze on a screen or in a physical space. This technology has a wide range of applications across various fields, including psychology, marketing, human-computer interaction, and user experience research.

The basic principle behind most eye trackers involves emitting infrared light and detecting reflections from the eye. Changes in the pattern of these reflections allow the device to calculate the direction of the gaze. Different types of eye trackers exist, such as head-mounted devices, remote eye trackers that sit on a desk, and even mobile-based solutions integrated into smartphones.

In research, eye trackers help understand cognitive processes by revealing what information an individual is attending to. For example, in reading studies, they can show how quickly and in what pattern someone scans text. In usability testing, they reveal how users interact with websites or applications, highlighting areas of confusion or interest. Marketing researchers use eye tracking to analyze consumer responses to advertisements and product packaging.

Beyond research, eye trackers are also used for assistive technology. Individuals with severe motor impairments may use them to control computer cursers or communicate by selecting letters or symbols on a screen with their gaze. The accuracy and sampling rate of eye trackers vary depending on the technology and intended use.