Riley Schaff, Stefanie Blain, Ph.D., Patricia A. Wren, Ph.D., Jane E. Huggins, Ph.D.

1. Focus Groups to Determine Brain-Computer Interface Design Priorities Riley Schaff, Stefanie Blain, Ph.D., Patricia A. Wren, Ph.D., Jane E. Huggins, Ph.D. Abstract Introduction: A brain-computer interface (BCI) is an augmentative and alternative communication device that utilizes brain potentials to communicate (e.g. type letters) or control technology. This study allows researchers to hear potential BCI users and their caregivers express their needs and concerns regarding use of the BCI, and use the results to guide future BCI design and implementation practices. Methods: The data was collected from 8 people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 9 caregivers participating in a focus group. Participants discussed concerns about the BCI and directions for technological advances. Notes were taken and dialogue recorded. A transcript was prepared and then coded according to specific themes (e.g. independence, freedom, dignity, etc.) and topics (e.g. BCI setup, electrodes, communication, etc.) using NVivo. Results: The topics discussed fall into two broad categories: personal and relational factors. Personal factors included comfort, fatigue, frustration, distractions, apprehensiveness, and appearance of the BCI. Relational factors included the preservation of social relationships, considerations of caregiver duties, the physical relation between the BCI and the user (i.e. electroencephalogram cap, electrodes, etc.), and the relation between items onscreen. Conclusions: A majority of the discussion focused on improving independence and maintaining social relationships. Text messaging using the BCI, the ability to use shortcuts and icons to improve communication speed, and environmental control were suggested. Further research should include development of programs that would make these applications possible. • Methodology • Focus group • 8 individuals with ALS • 9 caregivers • Discussion of BCI concerns • Data: • notes • audio recording • Individual comments categorized based on • relational and personal factors (Fig. 1) • Trends analyzed by age, gender, degree of • impairment, BCI user/caregiver (Table 1) • Journal article in preparation Introduction Fig. 1 portrays the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) the participants had used or observed: _____________________________________________ People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are target BCI users. ALS is progressive disease that leads to decreased motor control. This study provides opinions directly from BCI users to facilitate better design and adaption of the BCI system to users’ needs. Conclusions The focus on independence and maintenance of communication will guide future design of BCIs to accommodate the needs of the users for effective BCI use. “It offers us opportunities we would have no other way. Very frankly and honestly, I’m thrilled about it.” Fig. 1 Results Participants stressed independence and communication afforded them by the BCI. “It’s really gained independence, something has been taken away and now you can get it back.” Topics discussed are shown in Fig. 1, and trends in dialogue are shown in Table 1. Fig. 2: Frequency of Comments Coded Table 1: Trends in Coding