Discussion
In this chapter, I will discuss the outcomes of my investigation. I will go deeper into the details of how they sustain or disprove the initial hypotheses.
Investigation of sub-hypotheses
The prototypical applications I developed were used to validate the sub-hypotheses about the impact of eye closure on visual media, in terms of interaction, relaxation and perception. I will now discuss the findings with regard to each sub-hypothesis.
Sub-hypothesis 1: Closing the eyes is a valuable element of interaction for visual systems
It was possible to develop eye closure-based applications that were found to be valuable by the test group. The feature of 'getting an overview' by closing one eye was highly appreciated among the users. Also, they reacted positively to the introduction of eye closure-controlled features rooted in principles they already knew, such as the sniper scope. Lastly, users described the eye-actions to be augmenting what the hands were doing with keyboard and mouse.
I argue that this hypothesis cannot be rejected, as closing the eyes adds valuable means of interaction for visual systems through metaphors and gestures.
Sub-hypothesis 2: Closing the eyes is worthwhile as a means of relaxation in times of visual overload
I developed applications that used a black screen and the auditory modality to diminish the users' eyestrain and tension while working on the computer. Also the test group affirmed that blackening the screen while taking a break at the computer felt better than leaving the screen lit. Also, the principle of letting a text processor read out the written text when they closed their eyes, was a well-accepted feature.
I argue that sub-hypothesis 2 cannot be rejected, as eye closure allows the involvement of non-visual modalities, which are beneficial to comfort and health.
Sub-hypothesis 3: Closing the eyes can enhance the perception of visual content
In the user tests, two eye closure-enhanced movies were shown to the subjects. While some users were not experiencing any immersion into the incidents of the first video, the rate of perceived immersion was higher in the second video; this video also made use of stereo effects. The element of closing the eyes was said to be the key element for the achievement of immersion into the happenings on the screen. Also, while the graphics on the screen were of poor quality, the mental image was described to be in 'high definition'.
As it has been shown that closed eyes can be used as a means to inspire the mental image, and thus illusion and imagination, I argue that sub-hypothesis 3 cannot be rejected.
Main hypothesis
The involvement of eye closure with visual systems entails certain limitations (e.g. the ergonomics of eye gestures) and new design tasks (e.g. creating a screenplay for a video that includes eyes closed-passages); I have explored and had to handle several of these in the processes described in this document.
Finally, closing the eyes, as I have shown through the design of several applications, can be beneficial for many aspects of visual media; namely the interaction with visual systems, the relief of eyestrain and visual overload, and the perception of visual content.
All three aforementioned sub-hypotheses have been demonstrated to be confirmed, and so I also find the the main hypothesis to be sustained:
Closing the eyes can enrich visual media.
This is a finding that I applaud. It means that even in our visual world, eye closure can be beneficial and time of value, rather than wasted.
