Alphapp
An interactive neurofeedback experience made accessible for 1st-time users at public spaces. A game translates brain signals to an audio/visual output, and promotes relaxation.
Info:
Final school project - 4rd year (independent)
My Roles:
Field Research
Use-Case Analysis
Wireframing
GUI design
Animation
3d modelling/rendering
The Challenge
Alpha wave deficiency
The overflow of visual stimulation, promoted by social media & mobile device - have messed up our balanced brain activity. Today, more than ever, our brains process greater information than before for longer hours. The result is a lack of alpha waves, and an increase of stress levels.
An accessible neurofeedback experience for the public
Although the technology is widespread across clinics, hospitals & universities, it is not yet accessible for the public. There are great consumer products available such as Muse (which is referenced in the design proposal) - and still this internal experience requires one to:
purchase hardware
download apps
go through a continuing learning curve
Intuitive design for heterogenic users speaking different languages
There's need for a legible design that suits age & cultural differences. An experience that minimizes the product's learning curve, and decreases content adaptations for global distribution (translation).
The Solution
Objective
The main objective of the game is to generate alpha waves (which are relatively easy to detect among various waves). These are achieved when the body & mind are in a relaxed/meditative state. (commonly when the eyes are shut).
Interface
An interface which runs on a desktop workstation, and controlled by touchscreen & an e.e.g headset.
Gradual Level Progression
A number of tests that will increase users' trust in the system's fidelity, giving immediate feedback, and preparing for the main level.
Design System
To increase legibility throughout a heterogenic audience, a few elements from Google's material design were adopted, as well as Noto-sans (a multilingual font). Assuming it's familiarity can speed up literacy.
Concept & art
A water world UI that's inspired much by meditation related culture, and parallelity to brain waves. Ripple textures and an abstracted fluid avatar which follows the user through every step in the experience.
A "Story" Guide
Instructions are presented on a story-themed progress bar, with light animations & smart micro-copy.
Illustration of alphapp installation (at science museum)
Game Walkthrough
Standby Screen
The game is activated by 'unlocking' the standby screen.
A banner scrolls though the hi-scores.
Players may modify language & accessibility settings.
E.E.G Pairing
To continue - the E.E.G headset must be paired at two nodes:
between the eyebrows
behind the ear lobe
*Positions may change with different hardware
Main Menu
The menu presents the available levels. Noise tests must be completed to move further into the training.
here's a level overview to compare between them.
Level 1, 2: "Noise Tests"
The game starts with a couple intro levels. Gaining the player's trust in the system's fidelity - by applying simple, direct actions. A full view of the brain wave appears in the end of every session. Blinking & biting (jaw clenching) are not actual brainwaves, but rather electricity that affects the signal. These noises should be avoided later on.
Lvl. 1: Blink
Lvl. 2: Bite
When the "noise tests" are completed, an alpha training level is unlocked.
Main Level: Alpha - Eyes Shut"
Guide
The 'story' styled guide, instructs the player to relax the face and shoulders, and shut the eyes until the second ring.
Game
During the peak of the game, the player shouldn't see the screen - but instead, head the tone. The alpha's amplitude controls the volume. After the second ring, the player can see the difference in the brain wave. After calculating the result, the player can submit a score.
Bonus Level: "Alpha - Open Eyes"
A second alpha level was created for advanced users. Generating alpha waves w/ open eyes is possible: by cleaning the mind of thoughts, and staring into space. The level has special perks such: unlimited time, audio/visual customization, invert mode (stops sound when alpha is activated).
