Investigating the use of brain-computer interaction to facilitate creativity

Brain Computer Interaction (BCI) has mainly been utilized for communication and control, but it may also find application as a channel for creative expression, as part of an entertainment package. In this paper we provide an initial investigation on how creativity can be supported and assessed. An art-based approach was adopted to investigate the effects of achieving simple drawing and painting. Subjects were asked to complete three tasks using an Steady State Visual Evoked Potential BCI; a drawing task called 'etch-a-sketch' (TASK 1) which relied entirely upon BCI control, and two painting tasks, the first (TASK 2) with a set goal and the second (TASK 3) with more potential for user expression. The tasks varied in the proportion of control to creativity required. Participants provided feedback on their perception of the control and creative aspects and their overall experience. The painting application (TASK 3) for which users perceived that they had more creativity was well accepted; 50% of the users preferred this mode of interaction. The experimental approach described allows for an initial assessment of the acceptance of BCI-mediated artistic expression.