What is gaze?

Gaze is the direction your eyes are looking at at any given moment. In technology, “gaze” usually refers to the measurement and interpretation of where a person’s eyes are focused, often captured by eye‑tracking devices that record the line of sight and the point of fixation on a screen or in the real world.

Let's break it down

  • Eye anatomy: The pupil and cornea reflect light, which can be detected by sensors.
  • Gaze vector: An invisible line that extends from the eye’s center through the pupil to the point of focus.
  • Hardware: Cameras (often infrared) that capture eye movement, sometimes built into laptops, VR headsets, or standalone eye‑trackers.
  • Software: Algorithms that translate raw camera data into coordinates on a screen or in 3D space, identifying fixations, saccades, and blinks.
  • Data output: Coordinates, heat maps, or gaze paths that show what a user looked at and for how long.

Why does it matter?

Understanding gaze lets computers respond to where you’re looking, creating more natural and efficient interactions. It helps designers see which parts of an interface attract attention, improves accessibility for people who can’t use hands, and provides valuable data for research, marketing, and safety (e.g., driver attention monitoring).

Where is it used?

  • Gaming and VR/AR: Enables foveated rendering (sharp focus where you look) and hands‑free control.
  • Assistive technology: Allows users with limited mobility to type, browse, or control devices using only their eyes.
  • User experience research: Shows which UI elements draw attention or cause confusion.
  • Advertising: Measures which parts of an ad capture viewers’ focus.
  • Automotive: Monitors driver attention to prevent drowsiness or distraction.
  • Healthcare and neuroscience: Studies visual processing, diagnosis of disorders, and rehabilitation.

Good things about it

  • Natural interaction: Uses the eyes, the most instinctive way we gather information.
  • Hands‑free control: Benefits users with physical limitations and enables new interaction models.
  • Rich data: Provides precise, quantitative insight into visual attention and behavior.
  • Performance boost: In VR, foveated rendering reduces graphics load by sharpening only the area you look at.
  • Improved accessibility: Opens digital content to people who cannot use keyboards or touchscreens.

Not-so-good things

  • Privacy concerns: Gaze data can reveal personal interests, emotions, or health information, raising ethical issues.
  • Accuracy limits: Lighting conditions, glasses, or rapid eye movements can reduce precision.
  • Cost: High‑quality eye‑trackers and integration can be expensive for small developers.
  • User fatigue: Prolonged eye‑tracking sessions may cause strain or discomfort.
  • Technical complexity: Requires calibration, robust software, and careful handling of noisy data.