Research · February 24, 2026
New Usability Lab Brings Eye-Tracking to Design and Computing Courses
A dedicated lab with eye-tracking, screen capture, and an observation room lets students test their interfaces on real users.
A new usability lab in the Jarvis Technology Center gives design and computing students a place to run moderated user tests: a participant station with eye-tracking and screen and face capture, an adjoining observation room, and analysis software that produces heatmaps and task-time data.
Courses in user-experience design, human-computer interaction, and web development now require students to test their prototypes with at least five recruited users and revise based on what they observe. The lab also takes on paid usability studies for regional employers, staffed by students.
“Students are always sure their design is obvious. Then they watch a stranger fail to find the button for ninety seconds. That is a more persuasive teacher than any lecture.”
— lab faculty director
The lab is bookable by any course with a user-facing project and runs open workshops on test moderation and consent each term.
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