Key aspects for evaluating user experience using eye tracking in immersive educational virtual reality environments
Introduction: The article is the result of the research “User Experience Evaluation in Educational Immersive Virtual Reality Environments with Eye Tracking,” conducted at the University of Cauca in 2025.
Problem: Traditional methods fail to capture visual attention and cognitive load in real time, making it difficult to compare results.
Objective: To identify and map approaches, trends, and eye-tracking metrics in UX evaluation for immersive VR educational environments, in order to pinpoint gaps and opportunities for more consistent, user-centered evaluation models.
Methodology: Systematic review using the SALSA framework (protocol, application, and analysis), with scope defined by PICOC, focusing on population, intervention, outcomes, and the immersive educational context.
Results: Metrics such as fixations, gaze trajectory, saccades, and pupilometry are highlighted, combined with subjective instruments. Challenges include small sample sizes, calibration issues, and symptoms of fatigue and cybersickness.
Conclusion: A standardized methodological framework is needed, combining eye-tracking metrics with subjective perceptions. While eye tracking is increasingly being adopted, gaps remain in sample sizes, cybersickness control, and experience duration.
Originality: Provides an updated synthesis of the intersection between immersive VR educational environments and eye tracking, with a mapping of technologies, metrics, and methods, and highlights gaps to improve future frameworks and studies.
Limitations: Variability in configurations and protocols, small sample sizes, calibration issues, visual fatigue, cybersickness, and conflicts between experimental control and naturalness.
How to Cite
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ingeniería Solidaria
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Cession of rights and ethical commitment
As the author of the article, I declare that is an original unpublished work exclusively created by me, that it has not been submitted for simultaneous evaluation by another publication and that there is no impediment of any kind for concession of the rights provided for in this contract.
In this sense, I am committed to await the result of the evaluation by the journal Ingeniería Solidaría before considering its submission to another medium; in case the response by that publication is positive, additionally, I am committed to respond for any action involving claims, plagiarism or any other kind of claim that could be made by third parties.
At the same time, as the author or co-author, I declare that I am completely in agreement with the conditions presented in this work and that I cede all patrimonial rights, in other words, regarding reproduction, public communication, distribution, dissemination, transformation, making it available and all forms of exploitation of the work using any medium or procedure, during the term of the legal protection of the work and in every country in the world, to the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia Press.
[1] Y. B. Guzmán, “Tecnologías de información y comunicación en la educación superior,” Horizontes Revista de Investigación en Ciencias de la Educación, vol. 7, no. 29, pp. 1564–1579, Apr. 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.33996/revistahorizontes.v7i29.613](https://doi.org/10.33996/revistahorizontes.v7i29.613).
[2] J. K. Toala-Palma, J. L. Arteaga-Mera, J. M. Quintana-Loor, and M. I. Santana-Vergara, “La realidad virtual como herramienta de innovación educativa,” EPISTEME KOINONIA, vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 270–270, Jun. 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.35381/e.k.v3i5.835](https://doi.org/10.35381/e.k.v3i5.835).
[3] I. Wohlgenannt, A. Simons, and S. Stieglitz, “Virtual reality,” Business & Information Systems Engineering, vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 455–461, 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-020-00658-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-020-00658-9).
[4] K. Avezova, A. Kozibay, Y. Bayzakova, Z. Zhumagalieva, and M. Tuken, “The use of modern information and communication technologies in the educational process,” Scientific Herald of Uzhhorod University. Series Physics, no. 55, pp. 348–350, 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.54919/physics/55.2024.34hc5](https://doi.org/10.54919/physics/55.2024.34hc5).
[5] International Standardization Organization, “ISO 9241-210:2019,” 2019. [Online]. Available: [https://www.iso.org/standard/77520.html](https://www.iso.org/standard/77520.html)
[6] B. Esperanza, J. Dayana, G. Tenezaca, E. Mauricio, and E. Briones, “Recursos educativos en los centros educativos ecuatorianos,” Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 4958–4973, Feb. 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v8i1.9832](https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v8i1.9832).
[7] V. Souza, A. Maciel, L. Nedel, and R. Kopper, “Measuring presence in virtual environments: A survey,” ACM Computing Surveys, vol. 54, no. 8, pp. 1–37, Oct. 2021, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1145/3466817](https://doi.org/10.1145/3466817).
[8] R. da Silva Soares, A. Y. A. Oku, C. da S. F. Barreto, and J. R. Sato, “Exploring the potential of eye tracking on personalized learning and real-time feedback in modern education,” Progress in Brain Research, pp. 49–70, 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2023.09.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2023.09.001).
[9] S. Soares, C. Barreto, and J. R. Sato, “Perspectives in eye-tracking technology for applications in education,” South African Journal of Childhood Education, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 8, 2023. [Online]. Available: [https://sajce.co.za/index.php/sajce/article/view/1204/2416](https://sajce.co.za/index.php/sajce/article/view/1204/2416)
[10] M. G. Salinas, “Eye tracking, una herramienta complementaria para la evaluación del diseño,” Zincografía, vol. 7, no. 13, pp. 221–240, Apr. 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.32870/zcr.v7i13.203](https://doi.org/10.32870/zcr.v7i13.203).
[11] S. M. Roa-Martínez and S. A. B. G. Vidotti, “Eye tracking and usability in digital informational environments: Theoretical review and evaluation procedure proposal,” Transinformação, vol. 32, p. e190067, 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9865202032e190067](https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9865202032e190067).
[12] A. Gorbunovs, “The review on eye tracking technology application in digital learning environments,” Baltic Journal of Modern Computing, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–24, Jan. 2021, doi: [https://doi.org/10.22364/bjmc.2021.9.1.01](https://doi.org/10.22364/bjmc.2021.9.1.01).
[13] N. Y. González Hernández and R. Victoria-Uribe, “Diseño de experiencia de usuario para la transferencia de conocimientos en entornos de realidad virtual,” I+Diseño, vol. 18, pp. 83–96, Dec. 2023.
[14] L. Ramos Achicanoy and F. A. Dulce Mera, “Pedagogical support tools: Integrating digital tools for learning about AC electrical circuits within electronic engineering,” ing. Solidar, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 1–22, Oct. 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.16925/2357-6014.2024.02.05](https://doi.org/10.16925/2357-6014.2024.02.05).
[15] S. Andrés and V. Rosada, “VRTBloom: Framework para la creación de actividades de aprendizaje para realidad virtual basadas en el primer nivel de la taxonomía de Bloom,” 2022. [Online]. Available: [http://repositorio.unicauca.edu.co:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5521](http://repositorio.unicauca.edu.co:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5521)
[16] R. Wang, R. Lowe, S. Newton, and T. Kocaturk, “Task complexity and learning styles in situated virtual learning environments for construction higher education,” Automation in Construction, vol. 113, p. 103148, Mar. 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103148](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103148).
[17] “Marco de referencia para construcción de herramientas de autor de aplicaciones inmersivas para enseñanza en educación superior,” GICO, 2017. [Online]. Available: [https://www.unicauca.edu.co/gico/trabajos-dirigidos/marco-de-referencia-para-construcción-de-herramientas-de-autor-de-aplicaciones](https://www.unicauca.edu.co/gico/trabajos-dirigidos/marco-de-referencia-para-construcción-de-herramientas-de-autor-de-aplicaciones)
[18] I. Díaz-Oreiro, G. López, L. Quesada, and L. A. Guerrero, “UX evaluation with standardized questionnaires in ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence: A systematic literature review,” Advances in Human-Computer Interaction, vol. 2021, p. 5518722, 2021, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5518722](https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5518722).
[19] G. López, I. Díaz-Oreiro, L. Quesada, and K. Ramírez-Benavides, “Translation and validation of the AttrakDiff user experience questionnaire to Spanish,” Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, pp. 243–254, Jan. 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48306-6_25](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48306-6_25).
[20] E. Mitsiou, “Measuring UX: User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ),” Articles on Everything UX: Research, Testing & Design, Nov. 15, 2024. [Online]. Available: [https://blog.uxtweak.com/user-experience-questionnaire/](https://blog.uxtweak.com/user-experience-questionnaire/)
[21] M. Minge, M. Thüring, I. Wagner, and C. V. Kuhr, “The meCUE questionnaire: A modular tool for measuring user experience,” Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, pp. 115–128, Jul. 2016, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41685-4_11](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41685-4_11).
[22] L. Codina, “Revisiones de la literatura y cómo llevarlas a cabo con garantías: systematic reviews y SALSA Framework.” [Online]. Available: [https://www.lluiscodina.com/revision-sistematica-salsa-framework/](https://www.lluiscodina.com/revision-sistematica-salsa-framework/)
[23] K. Petersen, R. Feldt, S. Mujtaba, and M. Mattsson, “Systematic mapping studies in software engineering,” Electronic Workshops in Computing, Jun. 2008, doi: [https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/ease2008.8](https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/ease2008.8).
[24] M. Petticrew and H. Roberts, Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide, pp. 1–336, Jan. 2008, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470754887](https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470754887).
[25] J. Brooke, “SUS: A ‘quick and dirty’ usability scale,” CRC Press eBooks, vol. 189, no. 194, pp. 4–7, Jun. 1996, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1201/9781498710411-35](https://doi.org/10.1201/9781498710411-35).
[26] H. B. Santoso, M. Schrepp, L. M. Hasani, R. Fitriansyah, and A. Setyanto, “The use of User Experience Questionnaire Plus (UEQ+) for cross-cultural UX research: Evaluating Zoom and Learn Quran Tajwid as online learning tools,” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 11, pp. e11748–e11748, Nov. 2022, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11748](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11748).
[27] NASA Ames Research Center, “TLX @ NASA Ames - Home,” 2020. [Online]. Available: [https://humansystems.arc.nasa.gov/groups/tlx/](https://humansystems.arc.nasa.gov/groups/tlx/)
[28] H. C. Kim, S. Jin, S. Jo, and J. H. Lee, “A naturalistic viewing paradigm using 360° panoramic video clips and real-time field-of-view changes with eye-gaze tracking,” NeuroImage, vol. 216, p. 116617, 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116617](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116617).
[29] S. Zhao and S. Cheng, “Adaptive navigation assistance based on eye movement features in virtual reality,” Virtual Reality and Intelligent Hardware, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 232–248, 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vrih.2022.07.003](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vrih.2022.07.003).
[30] T. Kojic, M. Vergari, S. Möller, and J. N. Voigt-Antons, “Assessing user experience of text readability with eye tracking in virtual reality,” Springer, pp. 199–211, 2022, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05939-1_13](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05939-1_13).
[31] M. T. Mendoza-Medialdea et al., “Attentional bias modification training in virtual reality: Evaluation of user experience,” Applied Sciences, vol. 14, no. 1, p. 222, 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010222](https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010222).
[32] A. Visconti, D. Calandra, and F. Lamberti, “Comparing technologies for conveying emotions through realistic avatars in virtual reality-based metaverse experiences,” Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds, vol. 34, no. 3–4, p. e2188, 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1002/cav.2188](https://doi.org/10.1002/cav.2188).
[33] M. Ni, N. Ni, H. Liu, L. Jiang, and W. Mo, “Design optimization for the coating of machine tools based on eye-tracking experiments and virtual reality technology,” Applied Sciences, vol. 12, no. 20, p. 10640, 2022, doi: [https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010640](https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010640).
[34] M. Brabec, T. Benda, P. Benda, P. Šimek, M. Havránek, and V. Lohr, “Developing a functional user interface for VR simulations within agricultural equipment contexts,” Agris On-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 15–22, 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.7160/aol.2024.160102](https://doi.org/10.7160/aol.2024.160102).
[35] S. H. Nam and J. I. Choi, “Development of a user evaluation system in virtual reality based on eye-tracking technology,” Multimedia Tools and Applications, vol. 82, no. 14, pp. 21117–21130, 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-14583-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-14583-y).
[36] N. Kim and H. Lee, “Evaluating visual perception by tracking eye movement in architectural space during virtual reality experiences,” Springer, pp. 302–308, 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44267-5_45](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44267-5_45).
[37] M. Luimula et al., “Eye tracking in maritime immersive safe oceans technology,” IEEE, pp. 245–250, Sep. 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1109/CogInfoCom50765.2020.9237854](https://doi.org/10.1109/CogInfoCom50765.2020.9237854).
[38] H. Gao and E. Kasneci, “Eye-tracking-based prediction of user experience in VR locomotion using machine learning,” Computer Graphics Forum, vol. 41, no. 7, pp. 589–599, 2022, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1111/cgf.14703](https://doi.org/10.1111/cgf.14703).
[39] C. Zhang, T. Chen, E. Shaffer, and E. Soltanaghai, “FocusFlow: 3D gaze-depth interaction in virtual reality leveraging active visual depth manipulation,” ACM, pp. 1–18, 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642589](https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642589).
[40] B. Terzioğlu, U. Celikcan, and T. K. Capin, “Gaze-contingent adaptation of VR stereo parameters for cybersickness prevention,” The Visual Computer, vol. 40, no. 7, pp. 5017–5028, 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00371-024-03505-0](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00371-024-03505-0)
[41] M. Lui, R. McEwen, and M. Mullally, “Immersive virtual reality for supporting complex scientific knowledge: Augmenting our understanding with physiological monitoring,” British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 51, no. 6, pp. 2180–2198, 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13022](https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13022).
[42] W. Pei, X. Guo, and T. Lo, “Pre-evaluation method of the experiential architecture based on multidimensional physiological perception,” Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 1170–1194, 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2022.2074019](https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2022.2074019).
[43] F. Li, C. H. Lee, S. Feng, A. Trappey, and F. Gilani, “Prospective on eye-tracking-based studies in immersive virtual reality,” IEEE, pp. 861–866, 2021, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1109/CSCWD49262.2021.9437692](https://doi.org/10.1109/CSCWD49262.2021.9437692).
[44] H. Gao, L. Frommelt, and E. Kasneci, “The evaluation of gait-free locomotion methods with eye movement in virtual reality,” IEEE, pp. 530–535, 2022, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct57072.2022.00112](https://doi.org/10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct57072.2022.00112).
[45] E. Giatzoglou et al., “The Trail Making Test in Virtual Reality (TMT-VR): The effects of interaction modes and gaming skills on cognitive performance of young adults,” Applied Sciences, vol. 14, no. 21, p. 10010, 2024, doi: [https://doi.org/10.3390/app142110010](https://doi.org/10.3390/app142110010).
[46] G. Pochwatko et al., “Transdisciplinary approach to virtual narratives – Towards reliable measurement methods,” Springer, pp. 202–212, 2023, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37649-8_20](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37649-8_20).
[47] Y. H. Liu et al., “User engagement with driving simulators: An analysis of physiological signals,” Springer, pp. 130–149, 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59987-4_10](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59987-4_10).
[48] P. Kobylinski and G. Pochwatko, “Visual attention convergence index for virtual reality experiences,” Springer, pp. 310–316, 2020, doi: [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25629-6_48](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25629-6_48).
[49] F. N. Nezami et al., “Westdrive x loopAR: An open-access virtual reality project in Unity for evaluating user interaction methods during takeover requests,” Sensors, vol. 21, no. 5, pp. 1–13, 2021, doi: [https://doi.org/10.3390/s21051879](https://doi.org/10.3390/s21051879).
[50] C. Coelho, J. Tichon, T. J. Hine, G. Wallis, and G. Riva, “Media presence and inner presence: The sense of presence in virtual reality technologies,” in From Communication to Presence: Cognition, Emotions and Culture Towards the Ultimate Communicative Experience, pp. 25–45, Jan. 2006.
