SennsLab: Guide to the Active Image Template

The Active Image Template in SennsLab

The active image template is used to present images to participants in a fixed or variable amount of time, when they are expected to provide a response or active interaction
This template is mostly used for the viewing images of: static web pages, apps, products on a shelf, product displays, etc. 

The active image template is a Standard template.

To set up an active image test:

  1. Enter Familiarization Tasks:
    This is a set of images used to familiarize the participant with the context of the task.  You can define between 0-3 of these.  Familiarization tasks are not analyzed.
    Note that, unlike in the Passive Image Template, SennsLab will not add familiarization tasks automatically.  The order can be randomized by checking the "randomization" button in each familiarization task. 

  2. Enter Assessment Tasks:
    Between 1-15 assessment tasks can be added for full evaluation.  The order can be randomized by checking the "randomization" button in each task.

  3. Configure Task Duration:
    Both Familiarization and Assessment tasks require a task duration.
    Fixed: This is a pre-defined stimulus presentation time, between 15 seconds and 1 hour.   The task will automatically end when the time limit is reached.
    Variable: This means the stimulus presentation will be ended in the test itself by the test moderator.  Each task marked "variable" is open-ended. 

  4. Define Areas of Interest (AOI):
    An AOI is a specific region of the image that is defined to allow for statistical comparison between different parts of the picture (or between similar AOI in multiple pictures). 
    For more information on defining AOI, see the knowledge base entry "Guide to Areas of Interest".  Defining AOI is optional and can also be done in analysis.

  5. Set Up Behavioral Sensors
    Active image experiments often require some degree of user interaction (clicking on a product, answering questions, etc.).  Click on the Behavioral Sensors tab to activate mouse position tracking, webcam video recording, or a microphone for audio recording.

Important Considerations:

Some important considerations when using the active image template:

  • SennsLab will resize images to fit the presentation screen size and resolution (without changing the aspect ratio).  If you use images that are too small for the screen size, these could appear pixelated.  Consider formatting your images in advance to the correct resolution.
  • Acceptable image formats are:  * .jpg, * .jpeg, * .png, * .bmp

Other Resources:


For an explanation of the general test sequence and execution, see Understanding Experiment Structure in SennsLab

For more information about the built-in calibration in this experiment template, see SennsLab Emotional-Cognitive Calibration