Non-Invasive Brain–Computer Interfaces

Definition

Non-Invasive Brain–Computer Interfaces examines performance, usability and safety of EEG, optical and other non-invasive BCI systems within the broader domain of the design, validation and long-term use of brain–computer interfaces and neurotechnologies.

Why this matters

Failures concerning performance, usability and safety of EEG, optical and other non-invasive BCI systems can cause physical or psychological harm, loss of function, privacy invasion, identity compromise, exclusion, coercion or irreversible impact on human agency.

Research questions

Under which conditions can performance, usability and safety of EEG, optical and other non-invasive BCI systems be delivered, measured or protected reliably, and how do outcomes vary by person, device, duration, context and governance controls?

Hypotheses

A transparent, safety-bounded and person-centred approach to non-invasive brain–computer interfaces, combining validated measurement, informed consent, privacy and security controls, human oversight and longitudinal monitoring, will improve benefit–risk outcomes compared with opaque or technology-centred approaches.

Proposed methods

controlled BCI task testing; signal-quality analysis; calibration studies; longitudinal cohort follow-up; usability and accessibility testing; human-factors analysis; adverse-event monitoring; expert and affected-user review; reproducibility testing; methods adapted specifically to Non-Invasive Brain–Computer Interfaces

Stakeholders and beneficiaries

BCI users; patients; clinicians; carers; neuroscientists; rehabilitation specialists; device manufacturers; regulators; accessibility advocates