Shared-gaze visualizations (SGVs) in augmented reality enable collaborators to share focus and intentions through gaze interactions. Most prior research has examined bi-directional visualizations, where both users see their own and their partner's gaze, to provide feedback on how their gaze is communicated to their partner. However, bi-directional SGV approaches are largely based on research for remote collaboration. In collocated settings, bi-directional SGVs can obstruct views and cause distractions. Additionally, collocated applications differ from remote ones. We propose that if eye-tracking is well-calibrated, bi-directional visualizations may be unnecessary in collocated settings. To explore this, we conducted a user study comparing perceptions of uni- and bi-directional gaze visualizations in a virtual collaborative sorting task. Our results suggest that self-gaze may not always be necessary for users; however, there are cases in which self-gaze helps them feel more confident in the task. We offer a deeper understanding for future collaborative gaze interaction systems.

To design intuitive and effective context-aware task guidance systems, we must understand users’ thought processes and the obstacles they experience when they perform tasks. Though task guidance systems have proven beneficial in many domains for improving task performance and reducing user frustration, there is a lack of general guidelines and design principles for their development. Prior work has shown that recipe-based cooking is a strong medium for studying task planning and execution. In response, we conducted a contextual inquiry study in home kitchens, observing eight different participants’ cooking sessions. We used affinity diagramming of our notes and transcripts to identify common obstacles faced by participants and establish user needs in the areas of object interaction, safety, knowledge base, and task coordination. We discuss how these findings can inform the design of technology-driven solutions for task guidance systems beyond cooking.