Tap into the Subconscious Mind with Eye-Tracking Technology: A Case of IHG’s Mind Lobby

Abstract

With the abundance of online travel options, many travelers now feel overwhelmed and stressed when choosing a destination. A 2024 IHG Hotels & Resorts study found that 29% of travelers feel lost and 61% are overwhelmed by travel decisions. To address this, IHG introduced the “Mind Lobby,” an experience using eye-tracking technology to analyze subconscious preferences and suggest personalized travel types. In under a minute, the system categorizes users into five travel typologies, aiming to reduce decision fatigue. However, its effectiveness depends on user trust, precise calibration, and algorithm accuracy, with some users receiving irrelevant or unexpected suggestions.