Speed Dating Reflection
My research method during the Speed Dating Activity was eye tracking.
1. Cognitive Walkthrough — Iris Yip
Cognitive Walkthrough is a method of research in which evaluators walk themselves through a process of tasks from the perspective of the user. Similar to eye tracking, its main use is in usability testing, and focuses particularly on how users perceive a given interface. Both methods appear to be applicable to many of the same areas, such as human-computer interaction.
They fall under the category of user research and are already compatible/being used together in user testing of products and displays. They don’t seem to need many prerequisites to be used together, other than assuming participants are able to see.
Although cognitive walkthrough and eye tracking appear to be compatible in general, it would not be feasible to use eye tracking in a group project, as it requires a high amount of specialized technology and expertise.
2. RITE — Jasmin Kim
RITE, or Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation, consists of remaking and augmenting a certain product or prototype as soon as issues occur during research, without waiting for the whole research process to conclude. It could be paired with eye tracking in a way such that eye tracking research is carried out on each new prototype, while proceeding iterations are then generated based on results.
In order for these methods to work together, researchers would likely need to begin with the eye tracking technology paired with an existing prototype.
I can envision my group potentially using RITE as a method, especially in a case where we must be flexible and adapt to evolving results.
3. Remote-Moderated Research — Caitlyn Baensch
In Remote-Moderated Research, participants are observed performing a task or interacting with a product remotely via video chat or screen sharing technology. Because this method involves the use of usability testing of digital displays, it seems compatible with eye tracking but we were unsure whether the technology to support their pairing exists.
The technology would need to exist (or might already exist) for eye tracking research to be carried out on remote/mobile devices; however, right now it appears that most eye tracking tests contradict with the remote nature of remote moderated research.
Remote-moderated research would be more feasible to use than eye tracking, but would need a working prototype, which we are not sure whether we would have the time or materials to produce in the group project.
