Based on recent developments in neuro-technology, Emotiv has developed a new personal interface for human computer interaction, called the EPOC. This device is a high resolution, neuro-signal acquisition and processing wireless neuroheadset. It uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals produced by the brain to detect a user’s thoughts, feelings and expressions. It connects wirelessly to most computers.

The Emotiv SDK (Software Development Kit) is where it starts to be really interesting. With this, Emotiv opens up opportunities for you as developer to create applications that can be controlled by a user’s mind. I think that by crowdsourcing the development of new applications, like the apps from Apple, Emotiv has made the right choice to explore the many possibilities of what you can do with the EPOC.

At Emotiv, they see quite some interesting fields of application for the EPOC:

Artistic and creative expression – Use your thoughts, feeling, and emotion to dynamically create color, music, and art.

Life changing applications for disabled patients, such as controlling an electric wheelchair, mind-keyboard, or playing a hands-free game.

Games & Virtual Worlds – Experience the fantasy of controlling and influencing the virtual environment with your mind.

Market Research & Advertising – get true insight about how people respond and feel about material presented to them. Get real-time feedback on user enjoyment and engagement.

Now that the EPOC has made the leap towards direct brain computer interaction, controlling and manipulating web data is a small step, resulting in exciting new Meta applications. A demonstration of the EPOC can be viewed here.

Last week we bumped into a noteworthy half-meta concept, The Rationalizer. Jointly developed by Philips and ABN AMRO, it consists of the EmoBowl and EmoBracelet. Officially intented for online investors working at home, the lights intensify and turn a brighter red when your emotions heaten up, offering a ‘mirror of emotion’ to warn you that it might be a good idea to calm down a few minutes before making any irrational financial decisions. Technically, the EmoBracelet detects your pulse and translates it into a light spectrum. Both bracelet and bowl visualize this spectrum.

An interesting idea, especially in a society where stress becomes a more common phenomenon everyday, even among younger generations. I think Philips and ABN AMRO have done a great job breaking the taboo around psychological health by transforming monitoring devices into designer objects.
However, I doubt if the Rationalizer in its current state really works. It looks like most attention has been given to its aesthetics, but what really misses here is some sort of training functionality. Although there is a feedback loop (the lights will change color again once you relax), it fails to advise you HOW to become more relaxed and stay relaxed over time. One could think of an online interface that would help you train through exercises. It could also plot your statistics, so you could see yourself develop over time (like Nike+). And if self monitoring won’t do the job, your doctor could track your statistics online and advise you directly through the interface. That would be a nice way to enrich the product experience, and make The Rationalizer a bit more useful.