BrainBrush, a Multimodal Application for Creative Expressivity

Abstract

Abstract—We combined the new developments of multi-modal Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and wireless EEG headsets with art by creating BrainBrush. Users can paint on a virtual canvas by moving their heads, blinking their eyes and performing selections using a P300 BCI. A qualitative evaluation (n=13) was done. A questionnaire was administered and structured interviews were conducted to assess the usability and user experience of the system. Most participants were able to achieve good control over the modalities and able to express themselves creatively. The user experience of the modalities varied. The use of head movement was considered most positive with the use of eye blinks coming in second. Users were less positive about the use of the BCI because of the low reliability and higher relative cost of an error. Even though the reliability of the BCI was low, the BCI was considered to have an added value: the use of BCI was considered to be fun and interesting.