Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
Neurofeedback is a technique that leverages real-time brain activity data to enhance user concentration. Despite its potential, research on visualizing EEG data to augment immersion in virtual reality (VR) environments remains scarce. In response to this gap, our interdisciplinary research team, which includes Associate Professor Chien Wen Yuan and Assistant Professor Bi Nanyi from National Taiwan University, has come together to explore effective design principles for neurofeedback visualization. Our study is structured in two distinct phases. In the first phase, we develop a novel algorithm that derives a quantitative focus score from EEG signals and validate its performance in distinguishing between focused and relaxed mental states through preliminary tests. In the second phase, we conduct comprehensive user experiments to evaluate how different visualization schemes impact VR presence, overall user experience, and focus scores. Our team’s collaborative effort integrates expertise from both technological and design disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded approach to this challenge. Ultimately, our research aims to provide essential design guidelines for applying neurofeedback technology in enhancing VR environments.
Results/Contributions

Neurofeedback refers to the process of feeding a sensory representation of brain activity back to users in real time to improve a particular brain function, e.g., their focus and/or attention on a particular task. This study addressed the notable lack of research on methods used to visualize EEG data and their effects on the immersive quality of VR. We began by developing an algorithm to infer a quantitative indication of focus in the form of a focus score. A pre-study involving twenty participants demonstrated the efficacy of the algorithm in differentiating between focused and relaxed mental states. The focus score was then employed in an exploratory study exploring the impact of various neurofeedback visualization schemes in terms of one’s engagement in the VR experience and ability to focus. The results provide important insights into the design of neurofeedback visualization schemes aimed at enhancing the focus of participants in VR.


Keywords
NeurofeedbackVirtual realityPresenceVisualizationFocus score
References
1. None

Contact Information
游創文
cwyou2004@gmail.com