Galvanic Skin Response

A physiological measurement technique that detects changes in the electrical conductance of the skin caused by sweat gland activity. Because sweat glands are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, GSR provides an objective indicator of emotional arousal, stress, and cognitive load. In accessibility and usability research, GSR sensors attached to a user's fingers measure unconscious stress responses during interaction with digital interfaces, revealing frustration points that users may not report in surveys or interviews. When combined with eye tracking, GSR can identify not only where users look but how they feel about what they encounter, making it valuable for evaluating the emotional impact of design decisions on diverse user groups.