A short review and primer on electrodermal activity in human computer interaction applications

TL;DR

This paper provides a concise overview of electrodermal activity (EDA) in human-computer interaction, emphasizing recent advances and practical applications for novices in the field.

Contribution

It offers a focused primer on EDA's use in everyday HCI applications, highlighting recent interpretative and analytical developments.

Findings

Traditional EDA analysis approaches are being revised.

EDA is a valuable proxy for physiological arousal in HCI.

The paper emphasizes practical application guidelines for novices.

Abstract

The application of psychophysiology in human-computer interaction is a growing field with significant potential for future smart personalised systems. Working in this emerging field requires comprehension of an array of physiological signals and analysis techniques. One of the most widely used signals is electrodermal activity, or EDA, also known as galvanic skin response or GSR. This signal is commonly used as a proxy for physiological arousal, but recent advances of interpretation and analysis suggest that traditional approaches should be revised. We present a short review on the application of EDA in human-computer interaction. This paper aims to serve as a primer for the novice, enabling rapid familiarisation with the latest core concepts. We put special emphasis on everyday human-computer interface applications to distinguish from the more common clinical or sports uses of psychophysiology. This paper is an extract from a comprehensive review of the entire field of ambulatory psychophysiology, including 12 similar chapters, plus application guidelines and systematic review. Thus any citation should be made using the following reference: B. Cowley, M. Filetti, K. Lukander, J. Torniainen, A. Henelius, L. Ahonen, O. Barral, I. Kosunen, T. Valtonen, M. Huotilainen, N. Ravaja, G. Jacucci. The Psychophysiology Primer: a guide to methods and a broad review with a focus on human-computer interaction. Foundations and Trends in Human-Computer Interaction, vol. 9, no. 3-4, pp. 150--307, 2016.