Designing an online BCI forum: insights from researchers and end-users

Objective: Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can support non-muscular communication and control for severely paralyzed people. However, efforts that directly involve potential or actual end-users and address their individual needs are scarce, demonstrating a translational gap. A BCI-specific online forum could initiate and sustainably strengthen interactions between BCI researchers and end-users to bridge this gap. Approach: We interviewed six severely paralyzed individuals and surveyed 121 BCI researchers to capture their opinions and wishes concerning an online BCI forum. Data were analyzed with a mixed-method quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Main results and significance: All end-users and most researchers (83%) reported an interest in participating in a forum. Rating questions and open comments to identify design aspects included: what should be featured most prominently, how people would get engaged in the forum, and which pitfalls should be considered. Responses support establishing an online BCI forum to serve as a meaningful resource for the entire BCI community.