Trials and tribulations of BCI control applications

Electroencephalograph (EEG) based BCI (Brain-Computer Interfacing) paradigm has become a research topic in computer science and, in particular, human-computer interaction. In this paradigm, BCI applications have been largely focused on improving the quality of life for both able-bodied users as well as users with special needs. Despite the fact that low-cost off-the-shelf EEG headsets are becoming more accessible by and affordable to researchers to conduct research with, the past few years have witnessed unparalleled efforts to make EEG based BCI applications accessible using these headsets. This paper focuses on the challenges associated with developing EEG based BCI control applications, using low-cost off-the-shelf EEG headsets in controlled experiments, and usability issues with the software. We report experiences from several research studies and the barriers that hinder the full utilization of EEG BCI off-the-shelf headset in research contexts.