Tips and Tricks for
First-Time Eye-Gaze Users
provided by Vanessa Lombardo
When families and professionals consider an eye-gaze system for an individual in their care, they are unaware that there is a vast array of device settings and preparation strategies for both the individual using the device and the environment. These helpful steps should increase the user's success.
1) Light - Be aware that some clients are light sensitive. Light can also cause glare, decreased accuracy, and increased difficulty calibrating the device.
2) Position - Position the device lower than the client's eye level to reduce client fatigue and increase accuracy. The user should be looking down to use the device.
3) Eyes - Make sure that the client's eyes can work together. It may be necessary to utilize an eyepatch or calibrate using one eye. If the client has dry eye, utilize drops to increase accuracy and facilitate calibration.
4) Dwell time - Change the time spent looking at items. Less dwell time before a target is selected will increase accuracy but will also increase user training. Make sure to find a time that works just right.
5) Targets - Change the number and size of targets required during calibration. Having fewer targets reduces accuracy but also reduces client fatigue and improves calibration. Make sure the client can see the targets well enough (i.e. not too big, not too small).
