What is the main purpose of using saccades in visual design?

The main purpose of using saccades in visual design is to direct user attention. Saccades are quick, simultaneous movements of both eyes in the same direction, typically during visual scanning or reading. In design, understanding how saccades work allows designers to create layouts that guide the viewer’s gaze strategically across the screen or page. By placing important elements along the path of natural saccadic movements, designers can ensure that users notice and interact with key features, improving the overall usability and effectiveness of the design.

In contrast, while maintaining user engagement is important, it is not the primary function of saccades themselves. Saccades are related to how our eyes move rather than how long users stay engaged. Measuring eye movements is a separate area of study often used in usability testing but does not directly relate to the purpose of employing saccades in design. Identifying design flaws may involve analyzing eye movement data, but that is not the fundamental role of saccades in guiding design decisions. Thus, directing user attention is the clear focus when leveraging the concept of saccades in visual design.