San Diego, CA – July 15, 2003 – EyeTracking, Inc. (ETI) announced today the completion of their CCAT funded research project for Maxim Systems, Inc. The study investigated how users navigate and interact with the newly designed training software for the INMARSAT satellite phone used by the US Navy. The study was funded by the Center of Commercialization of Advanced Technology (CCAT) to provide ETI with essential marketing tools for their advanced user-interface evaluation technology.
EyeTracking’s technology can evaluate in real-time where an individual is looking for critical information and how much mental effort is involved as they complete the task. EyeTracking’s specialized form of interface testing helps to ensure lower cognitive workloads for enabling technologies, such as software or advanced displays.
Maxim Systems, also located in San Diego, provided ETI with the opportunity to evaluate critical software prior to its final release to the Navy Fleet. The objectives of the case study were to evaluate the usability and functionality of the software and to evaluate the effectiveness as a learning tool over the current training manual. The metrics incorporated for this study were newly developed, patented measures based on eye movements: the Index of Cognitive Activity (ICA), an objective, physiological based measure of cognitive workload, and point of gaze, a real-time measure of where the user is looking. The ICA provides an independent assessment of the efficacy of the new training system and measures value added to operator performance by well-designed software.
Usability issues identified by this study were implemented in time for the final release of the software. The client was assured that the software meets the highest standards of usability. The ICA results provide Maxim Systems, and their client, with solid evidence proving the effectiveness of the CBT over the traditional manual as a learning tool for Navy personnel.
“EyeTracking’s testing is an invaluable tool!” said Neil Kittleson, the Director of the Communications System Division at Maxim. “The feedback allowed us to fine tune our user interface and validated the importance of rich graphics and interactivity in improving student learning and retention. The metrics that were provided in the final report allowed us to demonstrate the effectiveness of this project to our client.”
For more information about the case study, please visit the newly redesigned and recently launched website at www.eyetracking.com and go to User Interface Solutions.
ABOUT EYETRACKING, INC.
EyeTracking, Inc. is a San Diego based research company that delivers high quality eye-tracking services for commercial, government and military applications. Using patented methodologies, ETI integrates point-of-gaze metrics with new pupil-derived estimates of mental effort to tell you where people look, what holds their attention, and the level of cognitive processing that occurs. Whether your organization needs assistance evaluating new software, comparing designs, or studying complex human computer interaction with critical systems, EyeTracking, Inc. is committed to meeting your needs. At EyeTracking Inc. we embrace new challenges, and strive to exceed the expectations of every client. For more information, please visit www.eyetracking.com.
ABOUT MAXIM SYSTEMS, INC.
MAXIM Systems provides the development, testing, maintenance, analysis, scheduling, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), and delivery of programs and materials to support a wide variety of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) in government and related commercial programs. http://www.maximsys.com
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
CCAT – supported by Congress and funded by the Department of Defense – is a public-private collaborative partnership between academia, industry, and government. Partners include San Diego State University (SDSU) Foundation and Entrepreneurial Management Center, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Jacobs School of Engineering and UCSD CONNECT, and ORINCON Technologies, Inc. with support from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego. The consortium-style CCAT intends to bridge the gap that exists between the generators of technology, the Department of Defense and the commercial marketplace. For more information about CCAT, visit www.ccatsandiego.org.
