Design requirements and potential target users for brain-computer interfaces – recommendations from rehabilitation professionals

Abstract

It is an implicit assumption in the field of brain-computer interfacing (BCI) that BCIs can be satisfactorily used to access augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods by people with severe physical disabilities. A one-day workshop and focus group interview was held to investigate this assumption. Rehabilitation professionals (N = 28) were asked to critically assess current BCI technology, recommend design requirements and identify target users. The individual answers were analyzed using the theoretical framework of grounded theory. None of the participants expressed a perception of added value of current BCIs over existing alternatives. A major criticism (and requirement) was that the usability of BCI systems should significantly improve. Target users are only those who can hardly or not at all use alternative access technologies. However, such persons often have concurrent physical, sensory, and cognitive problems, which could complicate BCI use. If successful BCI use continues to require a user to sit motionlessly and have intact cognition, then -as previously implicitly assumed -people in the locked-in state (resulting from late-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy type II or classic or total locked-in syndrome) and people with high spinal cord injury (C1/C2) could be target users.

Heading for new shores! Overcoming pitfalls in BCI design

“…We might be tempted to believe that the enthusiasm we experience after implementing a working BCI system should also be felt by the end-user. But even though generally high satisfaction with the currently available BCI systems was reported, a clear demand for BCI improvements was also articulated by end-users [16] and caregivers [17]. Some of these aspects concern technological and practical aspects such as usability and ergonomics of the setup.…”

Technology transfer of brain-computer interfaces as assistive technology: Barriers and opportunities

“…Similarly, the fact that BCIs are feasible and intriguing should not prevent us from scrutinizing the real need and value. BCIs could provide assistance to people with the Locked-in syndrome, but not necessarily should [14]. Alternatives may be better, cheaper and more usable.…”

“…Nijboer et al investigated if people from the field of rehabilitation -those who work on a daily basis with people with disabilities -were equally optimistic [14]. A one-day workshop and focus group interview was held.…”

“…The analysis is based on literature and previous studies which assessed the opinions of different stakeholders [14,15]. First, we discuss relevant literature from the field of assistive technology (AT) on technology transfer and technology abandonment.…”

Ergonomic design of an EEG headset using 3D anthropometry

“…Experts are not always available, electrode caps are complex and time-consuming to put on, conductive gel requires users to wash their hair after each session. Devices that are easier to use and provide more accurate electrode placement would open up more real-world applications for BCI (Future BNCI Roadmap, 2012;David Hairston et al, 2014;Ahn et al, 2014;Nijboer et al, 2014).…”