The Evaluation of Eye-tracking Technology for Human-Computer Interaction Control

Human-computer interaction (HCI) traditionally relies on manual input devices like mice and keyboards, which can be limiting or inaccessible in certain contexts. Eye-tracking technology, enabling control and interaction through gaze direction, emerges as a promising alternative, offering a more natural and intuitive interface. This report evaluates the applicability and costs of eye-tracking technology for HCI control, assessing its potential to overcome traditional limitations. Recent rapid advancements have expanded eye-tracking beyond laboratories into diverse fields (e.g., user research, software development, education), demonstrating significant potential. Our evaluation of applicability reveals its versatility in scenarios requiring interactive operations, such as optimizing interface design, aiding code comprehension, and enhancing learning analytics. However, technical constraints like accuracy variations (typically 0.5-1.5), latency issues (often >100ms), and sensitivity to individual differences hinder universal adoption. Regarding costs, while hardware prices have decreased significantly (e.g., devices now available for $99-$495), widespread implementation faces substantial barriers. These include ongoing maintenance expenses, the need for specialized personnel for calibration and data analysis, and operational constraints like high energy demands and specific environmental requirements, contributing to a high total cost of ownership. Despite these challenges, eye-tracking technology holds considerable promise for revolutionizing HCI paradigms, particularly for accessibility and specialized applications. Its future success hinges on overcoming current cost-effectiveness barriers and technical limitations to achieve broader, practical deployment.