NeuroBits: Designing Microbead Wearable EEG Electrodes for Human-Computer Interfaces

Abstract

Conventional EEG devices are usually large headsets that rely on gel-connections or spiky dry-electrodes to sense brain signals. Most of these devices cause irritation on the scalp, hinder body movements, and negatively impact the user’s comfort. This may limit the potential of neurotechnology for daily use in realistic situations. To address this problem, we present NeuroBits, wearable EEG electrodes that are seamless, lightweight, and tiny. These electrodes use silicone microbeads to attach to a strand of hair and blend in fluidly, while also having the capacity to continuously record brain signals inside and outside of the laboratory. The NeuroBits system was evaluated favorably in a user study of 14 participants, examining signal quality, user experience, and perceptions towards social acceptance in a natural environment, in comparison against OpenBCI, a commercially available mobile-EEG device. By integrating human-factors design into conventional neurotechnology, NeuroBits provides a novel wearable means of monitoring brain activity in real-world settings.