The HAGI project worked in the field of human-technology interaction, more specifically multimodal interaction techniques. The project began with basic research on combining of eye-pointing and haptic interaction.
The basic research findings were then applied in the constructive research process in two areas: augmentative and alternative communication systems and interaction with mobile devices.
It was expected that haptic interaction will make it possible to apply gaze-based user interfaces in mobile devices much better than what has been possible in the past, and therefore open new opportunities for natural and efficient interaction.
Impact
Eye tracking is no longer a niche technology, and haptic feedback has become more common in consumer technology due to the emergence of mobile and wearable devices.
The project studied the basics of haptic gaze interaction by focusing on four main research questions: 1) effectiveness of haptic feedback, 2) temporal limits between gaze events and haptic feedback, 3) effects of feedback location and spatial setup, and 4) haptic feedback in comparison to other modalities.
The results showed firstly, that the role of haptics is important especially if the interaction involves no visual displays or only small displays, and secondly, that haptic feedback is at least as good as auditory and visual feedback in task performance and user satisfaction.
Also, what matters is the delay and duration of the haptic feedback. It is recommended to aim for a balance where necessary information is given via haptics without overburdening the feedback channel.
Funding source
Academy of Finland
Contact persons
Roope Raisamo
Professor / Project Manager
roope.raisamo [at] uta.fi
+358 50 570 2007
Poika Isokoski
poika.isokoski [at] uta.fi
+358 40 190 1718
Jari Kangas
jari.kangas [at] uta.fi
+358 50 482 0789