Using Eye Tracking for the Usability Evaluation of Web Sites

Using Eye Tracking for the Usability Evaluation of Web Sites

Supervisor: Dr. Andrew Turk

Student Researcher: Pilun Piyasirivej

About the Experiment

Thank you very much for choosing to participate in the experiment that forms part of my research study regarding the usability evaluation of web sites. In this experiment, you will visit three web sites and find information from each web site. It usually takes 45-50 minutes to complete. During the experiment, your eye gaze patterns will be recorded automatically by the remote eye gaze tracking equipment called “faceLab,” developed by Seeing Machines of Australia ( You can think of it as an alternative to a video camera. However, the difference is that a videocamera records how users move their mouse and/or how they type, but eye gaze tracker records how users look at the computer screen. This is particularly useful for usability analysis, as users’ eye gaze information can be used to evaluate and improve the usability of web sites.

How to Join

Please do the following steps to join the experiment:

STEP 1: Complete the consent form (last page) and submit it to Dr. Andrew Turk or Diana Adorno.

STEP 2:Book your time on the booking sheet (kept by Diana). Available times are9am-6pm, during May 10-21 (weekdays only). You must book exactly one hour. However, the booking sheet is made flexible so that you can start at half-hours (e.g. 10:30-11:30).

STEP 3:Come to the eye tracking lab (TV-1) within theITRI building (formerly known as the Function Centre) at your scheduled time.

Should you have any questions, please contact Pilun Piyasirivej at and your questions will be answered promptly.

Experimental Procedures

When you walk into the room, you will be asked to sit on a chair in front of the computer. You can adjust the height of the chair only before the experiment begins. However, the position of the chair should not be changed at all times.
You will be asked to apply paper markers on your face. Adhesive is Latex-based, so do not use if you are allergic to Latex. Otherwise, position four markers in the same fashion as the following image. (A mirror will be provided.)

Your face model will be created and your eye gaze will be calibrated by the experimenter. You will be asked to look straight into Camera A (on your right) for a few seconds until you hear the beep, and repeat for Camera B (on your left).
You will proceed to the screen calibration process. A large white dot will move to different points around the screen. Each time the dot moves, stare directly at it. Try not to blink during the screen calibration process. If you must blink, do it immediately after the dot moves.
The experiment is about to begin. Your computer screen will show a browser window, click the link inside and proceed.
Type in your full name and press enter.
Select either FLASH or HTML version. You must select the opposite version to what you did in the survey. If you are not sure, please tell the experimenter and he will look it up for you.
You will be given links to three web sites. Click one link at a time, from top to bottom. Each web site will open in a new browser window. Then follow the instructions for each web site, which will be given to you during the experiment.
When you finish all web sites, click "Continue" at the bottom of the screen.
You will be taken to a mini-survey asking for your personal preference for each web site (i.e. whether you like the FLASH or HTML version more). On this page, you will be provided with links to both FLASH and HTML versions of each web site, so you can revisit them if you like to.
When you finish, click the submit button at the bottom of the page.
The experiment is concluded and now you can peel off the markers.

RESEARCH STUDY – INFORMATION SHEET AND PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM

Project Title: Comparison of the Usability of Web Sites via Questionnaires and Eye Gaze Tracking

I am a Doctor of Information Technology student at MurdochUniversity investigating the usability of Web sites under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Turk. The purpose of this study is to find out what factors contribute to the usability of Web sites.

I would appreciate your help by participating in one or two experiments for this study. The two experiments in the study are:

Online Survey: This experiment (duration of approximately 45 minutes) involves visiting six Web sites and searching for information in each Web site. You will then be asked to complete a Web usability survey for each Web site.
Eye Gaze Tracking: This experiment (duration of approximately 45 minutes) involves revisiting the six Web sites and searching for information. While searching for the information your eye gaze patterns will be recorded by remote eye gaze tracking equipment ("faceLAB").

All information given by you during the research procedures is confidential and no names or other identifying information will be used in any publication arising from the research. Feedback about the results of the research will be provided to participants who request it.

If you are willing to participate in the experiments, please give your formal agreement by completing the details on the next page. If you have any questions about this project please contact either Pilun Piyasirivej (), Dr. Andrew Turk (9360 2793). Alternatively you can contact MurdochUniversity's Human Research Ethics Committee on 9360 6677.

Pilun Piyasirivej

PLEASE TURN OVER

RESEARCH STUDY – CONSENT FORM

Project Title: Comparison of the Usability of Web Sites via Questionnaires and Eye Gaze Tracking

I (the participant) have read the information above. Any questions I have asked have been answered to my satisfaction. I agree to take part in this activity, however, I know that I may change my mind and stop at any time.

I understand that all information provided is treated as confidential and will not be released by the investigator unless required to do so by law.

I agree that research data gathered for this study may be published provided my name or other information which might identify me is not used.

I am willing to participate in experiment 2 (eye gaze tracking)

My e-mail address: ...... (required)

I would (like / not like) a summary of the results of this research.

Participant Name: ...... Signature: ......

Date: ......

Chief Investigator Name: Dr. Andrew TurkSignature: ......

Date: ......

Student Researcher Name: Pilun PiyasirivejSignature: ......

Date: ......