Combining Neurotechnology with Design Thinking for a Better User Experience
As the field of neurotechnology continues to expand and advance, it's becoming clear that simply developing new tools and technologies is not enough. In order for these technologies to be truly effective and impactful, they must also be designed with the user in mind. That's where Design Thinking (or Human-Centred Design) comes in.
Design Thinking is a user-centric approach to problem-solving that involves empathizing with the user, defining their needs and goals, ideating potential solutions, prototyping and testing those solutions, and iterating based on user feedback. By putting the user at the center of the design process, we can create products that are more intuitive, user-friendly, and effective.
When it comes to neurotechnology, applying Design Thinking principles can be especially important. Many neurotechnologies involve complex interfaces, sophisticated algorithms, and detailed data analysis, which can be overwhelming and difficult for users to understand and implement in their lives. By using Design Thinking principles, we can create neurotechnology interfaces that are more intuitive, user-friendly, and engaging, making it easier for users to understand and engage with the technology.
At Propel Focus, we use Design Thinking to create real value for our users. Our neurotechnology tool is designed with the user in mind, incorporating feedback from real users throughout the design and development process. By applying Design Thinking principles, we're able to create a product that is not only effective in improving attentional abilities but also easy and enjoyable to use.
Our design thinking process involves several stages, including:
Empathize: We start by understanding our users and their unique needs and challenges. We conduct user research, observe users in action, and conduct surveys and interviews to gain a deep understanding of their experience.
Define: Based on our research, we define the user's needs, goals, and pain points. This helps us to identify areas for improvement and potential solutions.
Ideate: We then generate potential solutions through brainstorming and ideation sessions. This involves exploring a wide range of ideas and approaches, without judgement or constraints.
Prototype: We create prototypes of our ideas, using low-fidelity models and simulations to test our assumptions and get feedback from users.
Test: We then test our prototypes with users, gathering feedback and making improvements based on their responses.
Iterate: Based on user feedback, we refine and iterate our design, creating new prototypes and testing them until we arrive at a final product that meets the user's needs and goals.
By combining Design Thinking principles with neurotechnology, we're able to create a product that is both effective and user-friendly, helping individuals with attentional issues to unlock their full potential.
References:
Platt, J., & Tangney, B. (2018). Applying design thinking to the development of a neurofeedback video game for children with FASD. International Journal of Child Health and Human Development, 11(1), 71-80.
Diamond, A., & Ling, D. S. (2019). Conclusions about interventions, programs, and approaches for improving executive functions that appear justified and those that, despite much hype, do not. Developmental cognitive neuroscience, 37, 100572.
Sanders, E. B. N., & Stappers, P. J. (2008). Co-creation and the new landscapes of design. Co-design, 4(1), 5-18.