Human-Computer Interaction and Neuroadaptive Technology

We are at an exciting time as emerging research is providing more practical brain measurement tools as well as greater understanding of brain function. This will continue through national investments such as the U.S. BRAIN Initiative, as well as the commercialization of wearable technology containing brain sensors. This opens up many research directions and we have seen a growing body of recent human-computer interaction work showing the feasibility of neuroadaptive technology for healthy users, which integrate real-time brain input into interactive systems. In many of these systems, the brain data is detected non-invasively and passively, with no effort from the user, and used as a supplemental input stream to interactive systems, ideally making the systems more in sync with the user, providing appropriate support when needed. However, the interaction techniques and design decisions for their effective use are not well defined. In this talk, I will present some of the challenges and opportunities for considering input from the brain, along with design principles and patterns we have developed from our work. I will also present case studies illustrating the principles and patterns for effective use of brain data in human–computer interaction. Finally, I will discuss future directions of human-computer interaction research to ensure the success and wider adoption of neuroadaptive technology.