Exploration of New-Generation Human Computer Interface Based on Participatory Design Strategy

This study researched the next-generation human computer interactions. In particular, brainwave computer interaction (BCI) is emphasized. To investigate BCI, two stages are included: interface development to develop a BCI game, and interface evaluation with a series of user experiments to test user experience. For both stages, participatory design is adopted as the essential principle to involve potential users to provide their expectations and insights on possible application scenarios of BCI in daily life, help define the requirements, assist in concept screening and user experience investigation. In particular, a prototype with hardware (including brainwave computer chipsets and Bluetooth module) and software (i.e., a PC Tetris game developed by Labview) was developed. The physical part is to collect users’ neural signals, and such signals will be used to control the game. A group of participants were involved to play the game, and interviews based on game experience questionnaire was constructed to identify participants’ experience on BCI and also other traditional interfaces. Through results analysis, it can be concluded that BCI shows obvious strength which is more immersive, attractive and enjoyable. Therefore, BCI could be promising to enhance user experience and bring more fun to task completion.