This project aims to advance research on public perceptions of green stormwater infrastructure, by integrating a state-of-art webcam-based eye tracking technology with traditional survey methods. Eye tracking analysis (e.g., scan paths, fixation duration) and emotion analysis based on facial expressions will provide objective, quantitative information about people’s attention and affective responses to visual stimuli of GSI measures. Such data can complement analyses of people’s subjective opinions captured by the survey questionnaire. Together, the integration of objective eye tracking data and subjective survey data will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of people’s perceptions of GSI.

Specifically, we examine three types of GSI: bioswales, retention ponds, and detention basins, to address the following questions:

1. How do different stormwater management practices differ in perceived safety and aesthetic quality?

2. How does planting patterns (e.g., turf vs. tree vs. ornamental plants) influence perceptions of GSI?

3. How does implementation context (e.g., residential vs. greenspace, low vs. high income neighborhoods) influence perceptions of GSI?