A presentation from Museums and the Web 2010. Eye- and gaze-tracking has firmly established itself as a valuable tool for market and Web-design. However, until recently the technology was fairly exclusive and expensive. This paper will present current research on the topic, using economical, commercially available components (Web cams, open source software) for building applications that use eye- and gaze-tracking. Implications for museums are far reaching and include: (a) improvement of Museum Web site designs, (b) development of specific museum Web-based applications that will be sensitive to users’ intentions and preferences, (c) collecting data for museum studies, and (d) enhancing ‘knowledge dissemination’ via Web-based applications. The author of the paper was recently (Summer 2009) granted a US patent for an original way of interacting with a display using eye- and gaze-tracking. Session: Actionable Research [research] see: http://www.archimuse.com/mw2010/abstracts/prg_335002170.html

1. Slavko Milekic, M.D., PhD Professor of Cognitive Science and Digital Design University of the Arts Philadelphia, US Gaze-tracking and Museums: Current Research and Implications

2. 7 minutes is a very short time…. so, I will speak very fast (and use my eyes)

3. Background: Over the years (with World Wide Web) we see the development of many user-activity monitoring channels that ultimately enhance user experience. Example:

5. Fact: Eye- and gaze-tracking has been used for years in Web site development and marketing: Example:

6. Google search engine:

8. Proposal: Create inexpensive webcam-based eye-tracking software.

9. Outcome: Creation of a new channel of information exchange between the user and information provider. Relevance for museums (and museum Web sites):

11. and now you can see it…. (for 1-2 minutes) (We will also have a demonstration on Friday, 10-11:30 made possible with the support from the University of the Arts MID program, with Gareth Roberts & Matt Miller.)