A thesis document submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology Parsons The New School for Design May 2012
Published in 2013 Re-new Conference Proceedings.
The latest generation of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) represents a significant development in our ability to monitor, record and interpret electrical activity of a human brain. This technology has become more sophisticated and affordable. People who may have no training in neuroscience are looking to apply it in art, computing and interactive design.
“Eloe” is a computer program that explores the application of BCIs in visual creativity. It gives artists an opportunity to express their unique styles and explore the aesthetic possibilities of affecting the visuals directly with brain waves. It uses NeuroSky MindSet brain-computer interface to obtain the data about the brainwave activity. This data defines parameters for a line drawn with the Microsoft Kinect interface or a computer mouse/drawing tablet. Line thickness is set by user’s attention - the more attentive you are the thinner the line. Line color is set by the level of anxiety. A calm state of mind produces light and soft colors approaching white, while high anxiety creates dark colors approaching black.
“Eloe” emerged on the intersection of three aspects of human experience: body, art and technology and it examines the possibilities for the application of modern technology in art in the context of using human body as an artistic medium. The interaction model is focused on the experience of creative process with the aim to help artists get motivated and inspired about their work. The combination of interactive elements gives users a unique way of self-expression and an opportunity to add a new layer of meaning to their creations.