Collecting biosignals : data experiments with EDA and EEG

Abstract

This practice-oriented study collected biosignals and conducted technical experiments to convert the biosignal data into feedback signals receivable by human senses.

The exploratory experiments utilised EDA and EEG biosignal detection devices combined with software. The software was created during the process in order to receive data from the devices, and then create auditory and visual feedback loops from the data. The technical result was a number of new software + device prototypes for biosignal sonification and visualisation, and one for brain wave-based communication.

In addition to the primary focus of technical experimentation, models of analysis were adapted from the fields of semiotics and phenomenology. This was done in order to explore and elaborate upon self-reported textual narratives of the technical exploration and the user experience. This analysis helped create a structure of the experience and understand signals as semiotic signs.

Research tasks and questions provided structure for the thesis. The main ones were the exploratory biosignal conversion, brain wave-based communication, the narrative analysis and the semiotic sign analysis. The study concluded with an inventory of prototypes that had been created and a discussion of the lessons learned.

The final research question was how the results of this practice oriented experimental study relate to existing fields of science: could one find domains of research that are relevant to the findings of the experiments? A preliminary charting of existing research and domains of inquiry was done.

Further review of existing research can expand the scope of this inquiry and guide the next steps.