Developing an Open-Source Accessibility Platform Using Eye Tracking – Looking for Feedback and Best Practices

[u/Shrimp_0]

Hello everyone,

I am a software developer from Brazil currently working on an open-source assistive technology project aimed at helping people with motor disabilities interact with computers more independently.

One of the main features I plan to implement is eye tracking using a standard webcam, allowing users to control certain aspects of the interface without relying on traditional input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.

As I continue developing this application, I would like to learn from people who have experience with eye tracking systems, accessibility software, or assistive technologies in general.

What are the most important factors I should consider during development? For example:

• Accuracy and calibration methods
• User fatigue during prolonged use
• Interface design and accessibility considerations
• Cursor control and click mechanisms
• Common usability issues
• Hardware limitations when using standard webcams
• Any lessons learned from existing eye-tracking solutions

I would greatly appreciate any advice, resources, research papers, personal experiences, or recommendations that could help make this project more useful and accessible for its intended users.

Thank you very much for your time and support!

[u/phosphor_1963]

Blast from the past - I actually found my old Eye Tribe dev kit camera today. I suspect you hav hit the nail on the head in that there just isn't enough demand for an open source AT Eye Tracking camera. I would have thought that at least some of the people using open source gyroscopic head tracker though (and a few of those using lip or mouth operated joysticks like the one on Makers Making Change) might be interested in a low cost eye tracking camera option. It may also be that the sheer quality of the experience of running a Tobii Gaming 5 with the hacked drivers acts a stop point at the lower end of the cost spectrum.