Page 379 -

CHAPTER
13
Measuring the human

13.1 INTRODUCTION
As the study of human-computer interaction (HCI) is all about understanding how
users interact with computer and information systems, it is obvious that participa-
tion of those users is vital to our research. Previous chapters have outlined how we
might involve participants in surveys, case studies, interviews, usability studies, and
empirical studies, leading to both quantitative and qualitative data that provide vital
insights. However, these chapters barely scratch the surface of the rich and varied
data that human participants can provide for research studies.
This chapter broadens the focus, describing the numerous ways that the bodies of
research participants can act as data-generating devices, providing us with measures
of attention, emotional response, and brain activity. A wide variety of physical and
emotional measurements can help us gain significant insight into the way that users
work with our interfaces. Although we always, of course, strive to treat participants
with the respect and dignity that they deserve (Chapter 15), they can also be treasure
troves of detailed information that may otherwise be hard—if not impossible—to
acquire. This makes familiarity with human data collection an important skill for any
HCI researcher.
Automated human data collection techniques cover a range of complexity, cost,
and invasiveness. Some of the simplest techniques involve data from familiar input
devices, such as mice and keyboards. These familiar tools can help us understand
how people navigate in graphical environments and provide textual input. More com-
plicated approaches include eye-tracking tools for studying patterns in eye move-
ments, galvanic skin response, and blood-volume and heart-rate measurements for
the study of physical and emotional responses. At the high end, functional magnetic
resonance imaging (fMRI) tools can be used to examine how different parts of the
brain react and interact in various circumstances.
Although many of these techniques involve expensive equipment and may require
training that is beyond the reach of many HCI researchers, they present intriguing
possibilities for gaining understanding that would otherwise be elusive. Eye-tracking
tools that tell us where people are looking on a screen can help us understand visual
processes involved in navigating lists of options. Skin response or cardiovascular
monitors can provide insight into a user's level of arousal or frustration. The rich,
detailed information about user activities and responses provided by these tools can
help extend our understanding of human use of computer interfaces.

Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-805390-4.00013-3 369
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.