Cognitive offloading benefits eye gaze interaction

Abstract

For some people with strong motor impairments, controlling a computer with the eyes is the only possibility for human-computer interaction. In addition, gaze control is becoming a new option as an input device for the general population as well because of the increasing availability of eye-tracking technology. Yet, little is known about additional cognitive demands involved in gaze control and how to handle potentially high demands when using the eyes not only for perception but also for action. The present study shows that cognitive offloading improves performance when using gaze control. Memory for to-be-studied items benefitted significantly from saving another set of items just studied before for later restudy. Employing cognitive offloading in a targeted manner may be a useful means to assist in mastering eye-gaze control.