The fundamentals of eye tracking

Summary

Eye tracking reveals where, when, and why we move our eyes — offering powerful insights into attention, perception, decision-making, and other cognitive processes.

This comprehensive guide introduces the fundamentals of eye tracking, covering key concepts, technologies, and practical applications across a variety of research contexts. Whether you're new to eye tracking or refining your setup, this white paper offers clear guidance on selecting the right tools and designing successful experiments.  

What’s inside

• What eye tracking is and how it works 

• The value eye tracking brings to research 

• Types of eye trackers and how to choose the right one 

• Eight fictional researcher profiles highlighting common use cases 

• Key eye tracking metrics and how to interpret them 

• How to set up your first eye tracking study 

Who is this guide for?

• Researchers looking for a clear and practical grounding in eye tracking concepts, terminology, and methods.

• UX professionals who want to better understand visual attention and apply eye tracking to usability testing and design decisions.

• Innovation teams exploring eye tracking as a tool for product development, proof‑of‑concept studies, or user insight.

• Healthcare and training stakeholders interested in using eye tracking to study performance, decision‑making, and learning in complex environments.

• Newcomers evaluating eye tracking who want an accessible introduction to the technology and its real‑world applications.

Get the guide and start building your expertise in eye tracking.