Today a representative from a leading VR hardware company was visiting our lab. There was a certain amount at stake, since we were hoping his company would make a significant equipment donation to our lab.
At one point he asked whether we were interested in eye tracking. “I’d like to say,” I replied, struggling to keep a straight face, “that we are looking at it.”
Part of me realized it was a risky thing to say. What if my silly humor only managed to convince this person not to take our lab seriously?
Fortunately he smiled, clearly appreciating the slightly nuttier turn in the conversation. “Well then,” he grinned, “what are your thoughts about new tactile interfaces?”
“I think,” I replied, “we can touch on that later.”