Brain-Computer Integration: A Framework for the Design of Brain-Computer Interfaces from an Integrations Perspective

Abstract

Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems hold the potential to foster human flourishing and self-actualization. However, we believe contemporary BCI system design approaches unnecessarily limit these potentialities as they are approached from a traditional interaction perspective, producing command-response experiences. This article proposes to go beyond “interaction” and toward a paradigm of human-computer integration. The potential of this paradigm is demonstrated through three prototypes: Inter-Dream, a system that integrates with the brain's autonomic physiological processes to drive users toward healthy sleep states; Neo-Noumena, a system that integrates with the user's affective neurophysiology to augment the interpersonal communication of emotion; and PsiNet, a system that integrates interpersonal brain activity to amplify human connection. Studies of these prototypes demonstrate the benefits of the integration paradigm in realizing the multifaceted benefits of BCI systems, and this work presents the brain-computer integration framework to help guide designers of future BCI integrations.

Neural interfaces and human-computer interaction: A U.S. review: Delving into the developments, ethical considerations, and future prospects of brain-computer interfaces

“…The shift from traditional interaction paradigms to a more integrated approach is also evident in contemporary BCI system design. Semertzidis, Zambetta, and Mueller (2023) propose moving beyond mere interaction towards a paradigm of human-computer integration. This paradigm is demonstrated through prototypes like Inter-Dream, Neo-Noumena, and PsiNet, which integrate with various aspects of the user's neurophysiology to augment experiences like healthy sleep states, interpersonal communication of emotion, and human connection.…”

“…This paradigm is demonstrated through prototypes like Inter-Dream, Neo-Noumena, and PsiNet, which integrate with various aspects of the user's neurophysiology to augment experiences like healthy sleep states, interpersonal communication of emotion, and human connection. These studies highlight the multifaceted benefits of BCI systems and present a framework to guide future integrations (Semertzidis, Zambetta, & Mueller, 2023).…”