User Experience with Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Devices for Leisure: A Qualitative Study
Creators: Taghirad, Matin Dokht
Publisher: name: University of Alberta Library
Year: 2024

<p>In this study, I explore the experiences of individuals with disabilities with brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to access leisure activities. The goal of the study was to understand the user experience, to inform BCI development and implementation by meeting the unique needs of users who have disabilities. <br>
    Leisure is a vital element in life, significantly contributing to the quality of life and overall well-being (Lapa, 2013, Badia et al., 2013). Studies emphasize the relationship between leisure participation and mental and physical health, noting leisure provides benefits such as enhanced self-concept, increased self-esteem, and improved social connections, particularly for individuals with disabilities (Spetch et al., 2002, Paggi et al., 2016). Previous studies of BCI use by individuals with disabilities highlighted BCI as a potential game-changer for enabling individuals with physical impairments to participate in leisure activities. <br>
    I used a qualitative research approach to evaluate users&#39; experience using BCI for accessing leisure. Four participants, two adults, one youth, and the youth’s caregiver, reflected on their experience after they or their child (n=1) participated in two to five sessions of video game control using BCI. Participants used the Emotiv EPOC X electroencephalography (EEG)-based BCI, with the motor imagery (MI) paradigm. Their imagined movement command was translated to a “space bar” press to control the video games. I used semi-structured interviews, and each interview was tailored to the communication needs of each participant. One adult typed responses into an augmentative communication device as their communication method. The responded to questions with yes and no gestures. The other adult participant and the caregiver used verbal communication. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. <br>
    Five key themes emerged. 1. &quot;I never experienced or have been able to play games on my own”: BCI as a Potential for Access to Leisure, 2. &quot;Getting his sass back”: BCI facilitates individuals to build confidence, 3. “His body is stuck in mud”: BCI compensates for the body’s physical impairment, 4. The importance of BCI as a potential for effective communication, 5. Improving BCI acceptance for end-users. These findings spotlight the transformative potential of BCI, showcasing its ability to build confidence, the participants’ desire to use BCI beyond leisure and the need for enhancements to ensure the BCI is functional for the target audience. Furthermore, this study contributes insights into the experience of individuals with disabilities when they use BCI technology, highlighting its transformative potential in the accessing of leisure.<br>
    There will be challenges in the widespread adoption of BCI because of cost, operation difficulty, and calibration. Future research will be needed to explore applications of BCI beyond clinical settings, develop cost-effective devices, and place a heightened focus on user acceptability. </p>