Neuroadaptive technologies: Applying neuroergonomics to the design of advanced interfaces

Abstract

This article describes an emerging approach to the design of human-machine systems referred to as "neuroadaptive interface technology". A neuroadaptive interface is an ensemble of computer-based displays and controls whose functional characteristics change in response to meaningful variations in the user's cognitive and/or emotional states. Variations in these states are indexed by corresponding central nervous system activity, which control functionally adaptive modifications to the interface. The purpose of these modifications is to promote safer and more effective human-machine system performance. While fully functional adaptive interfaces of this type do not currently exist, there are promising steps being taken toward their development, and great potential value in doing so - value that corresponds directly to and benefits from a neuroergonomic approach to systems development. Specifically, it is argued that the development of these systems will greatly enhance overall human-machine system performance by providing more symmetrical communications between users and computer-based systems than currently exist. Furthermore, their development will promote a greater understanding of the relationship between nervous system activity and human behaviour (specifically work-related behaviour), and as such may serve as an exemplary paradigm for neuroergonomics. A number of current research and development areas related to neuroadaptive interface design are discussed, and challenges associated with the development of this technology are described

Brain-Computer Interfacing and Games

“…Despite the increasing numbers of controller buttons and various ways to provide input to the computer, HCI in its common form is a highly asymmetrical exchange of information between user and machine (Hettinger et al 2003). While the computer is able to convey a multitude of information, users are rather limited in their possibilities to provide input.…”

Fundamentals of physiological computing

“…This standard mode of human-computer interaction (HCI) is asymmetrical with respect to information exchange (Hettinger et al, 2003). In other words, the computer is capable of providing a wealth of information with respect to the internal state of the system (e.g., hardware capabilities, memory usage etc.…”

Physiological Computing: Interfacing with the Human Nervous System

“…hard disk space, download speed, memory use) while the computer is essentially 'blind' to the psychological status of the user (Hettinger, Branco, Encarnaco, & Bonato, 2003). The physiological computing paradigm provides one route to a symmetrical HCI where both human and computer are capable of "reading" the status of the other without the requirement for the user to produce explicit cues; this symmetrical type of HCI can be described as a dialogue as opposed to the asymmetrical variety that corresponds to two monologues (Norman, 2007).…”