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

Objective. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can support non-muscular communication and device 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. An online BCI forum supported by the BCI Society 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. All end-users and most researchers (83%) reported an interest in participating in an online BCI forum. Rating questions and open comments to identify design aspects included what should be featured most prominently, how people would get engaged in the online BCI forum, and which pitfalls should be considered. Significance. Responses support establishing an online BCI forum to serve as a meaningful resource for the entire BCI community.