UX EVALUATION METHODS

Physiological arousal via electrodermal activity

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Summary

The method utilises physiological arousal as an indicator for involvement and emotional state (arousal not valence). It is meant to also capture unconscious processes. Unobtrusive, not distracting; continuous measure, in situ

Description

participants will be ‘prepared’ before the session: attachment of sensors that detect the ‘sweating’ of the palm of the hand;

Strengths

objective; measure of intensity; unobtrusive; continuous measure; applicable in all phases

Weaknesses

does not measure valence of emotional state; limitation regarding free movements; should only be used in combination with other measurements (like facial expression, questionnaires such as SAM) physiological reaction dependant of many other things as well

References describing the method

Andreassi, J.L. (2006). Psychophysiology: Human Behavior and Physiological Response, 4th Edition. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahweh, NJ.

Ward, R. & Marsden, P.H. (2003). Physiological responses to different WEB page designs. International Journal of Human-Computer-Studies, 59, 199-212.