The use of eye-gaze data in the evaluation of assistive technology software for older people.

This paper reports on recent work undertaking usability study of a software-based assistive technology. The software was developed to support increased opportunities and interactions for people in residential nursing homes and extra-care housing. The objective of the project was to allow older people and those with early onset of dementia to have access to some of the functionality of modern computers. The software could also have applications in other markets, such as schools and for older people living at home. The intention is to provide opportunities for active participation and facilitate more access to hobbies, interests, past-times and to develop and maintain social networks. The complex interface of modern computers otherwise often excludes people from access to digital media including video and internet telephony, games and activities, information and resources on the internet and other facilities that may be useful to them if presented in a different way.The study presented is being carried out in 3 residential homes with 20 participants. Eye-gaze recording was a key element of the usability testing. The study methodology was designed to provide feedback towards the design of the software and to better understand the use of computers by this target group. This paper presents the results of the first stage of the usability study, in particular the paper concentrates on the use of the eye-gaze data. The design of the sessions allowed participants to explore the system independently and then to complete some pre-defined tasks. The users' interaction with the computer was recorded through video, audio, screen and eye-gaze recording as well as a data-log of the physical and eye interaction. The process of acquiring eye-gaze data with this fairly non-typical cohort is examined and the value of this data in contributing to the design of this software is explored.