03 NeuralSurge
The design project aims to optimize brain-computer interface systems through innovative interface design, making them more intuitive and user-friendly, thereby helping clinical physicians and researchers use these systems more efficiently and improving the quality of neuroscience research and medical services.
Nearly 10 million deaths in one year
In 2019, neurological disorders caused nearly 10 million deaths worldwide, and 349 million people experienced disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), meaning they were unable to live normally or even died at a certain age due to disease.
# Over the past few decades, the number of deaths and disabilities caused by neurological disorders has increased dramatically, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
# This challenge is expected to continue to escalate in the future with population growth and ageing trends.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
Interaction
with
the brain
Currently, brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is increasingly used for neurological disorders, allowing interaction between the brain and external devices.
For example, a BCI system can detect brain signals from a patient trying to move a paralyzed limb and send these signals to a robotic arm to assist in movement and recovery.
BCIs
Non-invasive BCIs
BCIs can be categorized into three types: non-invasive, semi-invasive, and invasive.
Non-invasive BCIs, like EEG-based systems, are the safest as they don't require surgery but often provide lower signal quality. Semi-invasive BCIs, such as electrocorticography (ECoG), involve placing electrodes on the surface of the brain, offering better signal quality with moderate risks. Invasive BCIs, which implant electrodes directly into the brain, provide the highest signal accuracy but carry significant surgical risks.
Current Challenges in Non-invasive BCIs
Still an emerging technology and facing various technical challenges
The main challenges facing Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology include signal acquisition and processing issues such as noise interference, the complexity of real-time data processing, and the adaptability of user interface design. Additionally, data security and privacy, wearability comfort, and high costs also limit its widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing BCI technology.
Ongoing Training for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals will encounter the challenge of integrating this continuously evolving technology into medical practice.
For this reason, non-invasive EEG technology operating systems also need to further evolve towards simplicity and user-friendliness, enabling healthcare professionals/researchers to learn and operate them more easily, improving their operational efficiency, and quickly adapting to the rapidly evolving technology.
Research Interviews and Problem Identification
Market Research
The target audience includes those who are both outbound travelers and users of digital services. This group primarily consists of people aged 25-35, mainly from first- and second-tier cities, who are accustomed to using various online travel platforms.
Information Architecture
In this process, we categorize and arrange content for three primary scenarios, creating a coherent, clear, and rational structure. This aids users in efficiently locating information and performing a series of subsequent actions.
In brief, the medical staff can select the current program and patient information in the Person pane and can track the data in real time. Then, in the Closed-Loop pane, they can select the brain areas that need to be stimulated in order to implement the treatment, and after confirming this, they will get the protocol generated by the AI, and in the Protocol pane, they continue to adjust the parameters needed to apply the stimulation.
User Flow
In the wireframes, we primarily focused on how to present brain activity data in an intuitive and understandable manner.
This involved determining the visualization methods for the data, such as charts, graphics, or images. Additionally, we also planned the interactivity of the interface, including how users would interact with the BCI system and control or adjust system settings.
Final Design (EEG)
EEG Data Acquisition and Visualization
The EEG interface in NeuralSurge can be used with EEG acquisition devices for real-time collection, visualization, and processing of brainwave data, helping users monitor brain activity and adjust acquisition parameters.
4o
Designing different layouts allows users to view multiple data visualizations or channels simultaneously, making data monitoring more intuitive and efficient. Such layered layouts enable easy comparison of data from different electrodes, spectral analysis, and event markers, thereby enhancing data analysis and real-time monitoring efficiency.
The data recording feature allows saving brainwave data collected during experiments or research for subsequent analysis or machine learning processing.
Final Design (Closed-Loop)
EEG Data Acquisition and Visualization
In the Closed-Loop function, specific brain regions can be selected for stimulation or inhibition, enabling precise modulation of neural activity in targeted areas to treat neurological disorders, enhance cognitive functions, or study various brain functions.
Choose Brain Areas
In the Closed-Loop function, specific brain regions can be selected for stimulation or inhibition, enabling precise modulation of neural activity in targeted areas to treat neurological disorders, enhance cognitive functions, or study various brain functions.
The interactive Process of Selecting Brain Regions
Multi-Area Selection
The information architecture incorporates potential solutions from the Mind Map based on the user's travel timeline. For example, the image search function allows users to access regular travel information or view the destination through AR, helping them quickly understand the actual scene. Users can also plan routes while automatically generating an itinerary, with tickets (such as train or flight) integrated for easy access. During the trip, users can use AR to scan local landmarks and quickly obtain relevant information.
AI-Based Optimization
