Preliminary Findings from an Information Foraging Behavioural Study Using Eye Tracking

Abstract

Cognitive overload can be a serious impediment in the assimilation of information for all types of users. Research has demonstrated the usefulness of adaptive interfaces in reducing cognitive overload by providing an interface that automatically reacts to the end users’ information foraging behavior. In order to understand and compare behaviors and patterns (between sighted and low vision users), it is necessary to understand the information seeking behavior of sighted users for any patterns that may exist as a baseline. These findings can then be compared to data on low vision users in a future study. In this study, eye tracking is used to explore information seeking behavior of visual users. In particular, we compare the gaze patterns of users when using both a traditional interface and complex interface to identify current events of interest. The eye tracking data was analyzed using kernel density statistics and correlation analysis to determine if relationships exist between information seeking behavior, task completion and accuracy. Results show that information seeking behavior tends to be more efficient and accurate when using the traditional interface and that a more complex interface introduces additional cognitive overload.