Webcam Eye Contact - jmercouris
How can we make eye contact over the web?
When collaborating with individuals across the globe, we lose a part<br>of our humanity. We cease to be people and become pictures on a<br>screen. To rehumanize our interactions, we can take several steps. One<br>approach is to ensure that we have a high quality webcam and<br>microphone. This not only helps others recognize us as human, but also<br>enhances our perceived credibility. [1]
As part of rehumanizing ourselves, we should also consider how we can<br>restore one of the most important aspects of human conversation: eye<br>contact. Apple has invested significant effort in addressing this<br>through "FaceTime Eye Contact". Unfortunately, this software-based<br>implementation has limitations, and nothing quite matches a hardware<br>solution. To this end, I designed a foldable telescoping webcam mount.
Since my computer monitor is mounted on a monitor arm, I decided to<br>reuse the VESA mounting interface. Using standoffs, I attached the webcam mount<br>through the same screw holes that connect to the VESA interface.
Here is how it looks in the stowed position:
The webcam can still be used from the stowed position, though it is not at the<br>optimal angle. For quick, impromptu calls, this configuration is<br>sufficient. Since my monitor is on an arm, I can also adjust the<br>monitor position to improve the angle. However, when I want to truly<br>focus on the conversation, I can deploy the full extension.
Using this setup, I can align the webcam perfectly with my eyes. The<br>individual I am conversing with appears in the center of my screen,<br>and I am looking directly at them through the camera. You'll also<br>notice the presence of a fill light, which I use to eliminate shadows<br>in the image captured by the webcam.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this solution. The angle is ideal,<br>and the audio quality is excellent.
If you're interested in building something like this for yourself, you<br>can download the FreeCAD design files:
monitor_mount.FCStd
[1]Walter-Terrill, R., Ongchoco, J. D. K., & Scholl, B. J. (2025).<br>Tinny voices, big consequences: Microphone quality alters perceptions<br>of attractiveness, intelligence, credibility, and hireability.<br>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.