Exploring Visitors' Visual Behavior Using Eye-Tracking: The Case of the "Studiolo Del Duca"

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Neuroaesthetics
• Art Perception

Background:

• Limited understanding of the human brain's art perception mechanisms.
• Growing interest in visual perception and its application to art.
• Increasing use of eye-tracking technology in art interaction studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the visual behavior of non-expert visitors in a historical art setting.
• To identify which elements of artworks attract visitor attention.
• To understand the primary patterns of art fruition.

Main Methods:

• Utilized eye-tracking technology to record visual behavior.
• Observed visitors freely navigating the "Studiolo del Duca" in the Ducal Palace, Urbino.
• Analyzed viewing duration, averaging almost two minutes per visitor.

Main Results:

• Identified specific areas within artworks that garnered significant visitor attention.
• Revealed distinct patterns in how visitors engage with and perceive art.
• Provided quantitative data on visual exploration within a historical art context.

Conclusions:

• Eye-tracking offers valuable insights into the cognitive processes of art perception.
• Understanding visual behavior enhances appreciation and interpretation of artworks.
• The study contributes to the field of neuroaesthetics by detailing real-world art interaction.