Validation of a maritime usability study with eye tracking data

Abstract

The main objective of the navigation system on board a High Speed Craft (HSC) is contributing to safe operation, which is supported by a high degree of situation awareness for the navigator. On the modern HSC bridge, an increasing amount of displays and support systems has been introduced, with computers being networked and integrated information presented on Multi-Function Displays (MFDs). Eye tracking data in human-computer interaction is a valuable tool to identify challenges with design and user interfaces, and to better understand the workload of the subject. This paper presents and analyse two eye tracking data sets collected to validate a mid-life update of a HSC navigation system, and outlines the challenges when collecting eye tracking data in an operational environment. Data collection with Eye Tracking Glasses (ETGs) is proven to be a valuable tool, but the quantitative data needs to be supported by qualitative data to be unambiguous.