Behavioral and Physiological Metrics - Measuring the User Experience: Collecting, Analyzing, and Presenting Usability Metrics - page 165

with another UX researcher to reach some level of agreement about categoriz-
ing each comment. Make good use of video recording. Even the best note takers
can miss something important. Also, we recommend that these comments be
viewed within a larger context. For example, if a participant said that they would
never use the product, under any circumstance, yet say something positive about
the colors, this needs to be accounted for in other metrics, as well as how the
findings are presented. While these metrics are seldom collected because it is
fairly time-consuming, they can offer valuable insight into the underlying feel-
ings about a particular design.
7.2 EYE TRACKING
Eye tracking in user research has become more common over the past few years.
This is in part due to the ease of use of the systems, particularly around analysis,
accuracy, and mobile technology (in the form of goggles), as well as new web-
cam-based technology.
7.2.1 How Eye Tracking Works
Although a few different technologies are used, many eye-tracking systems, such
as the one shown in Figure 7.2 , use some combination of an infrared video
camera and infrared light sources to track where the participant is looking. The
Figure 7.2 An eye-tracking system from SMI ( www.smivision.com ). Infrared light sources and an infrared
video camera are directly below the monitor. The system tracks the participant's eyes automatically in
real time.