Self-Interfaces

Utilizing Real-Time Biofeedback to Elicit subconscious Behavior Change
Master’s thesis for dual master’s in Computer Science (HCI) and Integrated Design and Management at MIT
Advisors: Arvind Satyanarayan, Rosalind Picard, James Landay

ongoing

WIP paper in proceedings of TEI 20

Self-Interfaces are interfaces that intuitively communicate relevant subconscious physiological signals through biofeedback to give the user insight into their behavior and assist them in creating behavior change.

Photo credit: Nikolaj Rohde Simonsen

EDA Self-Interface:
The Electrodermal Activity (EDA) Self-Interface is an interface for communicating certain relevant changes in the EDA. EDA is a measurement of skin conductance which is an indicator of sympathetic activity and is known to correlate with high and low arousal affective states. The EDA signal is an interoceptive physiological signal and as such, most people are not aware of the changes in their EDA on a regular basis. Due to the correlation of EDA with changes in emotional state, interest, or attention, an awareness of one’s EDA can give additional insight into the perceived physical, emotional, and mental state of a person, and therefore has the potential to influence behavior.

E4 EDA Sensor (left), iOS app (middle), EDA Self-Interface (right).
The E4 EDA sensor sends the participant data to the mobile app in real-time via Bluetooth. The mobile app processes the data and broadcasts select changes in the signal to the EDA Self-Interface via Bluetooth.

Haptic wearable biofeedback device assembly diagram.
(a) assembled unit (b) adhesive structure (c) actuator housing (d) Linear Resonant Actuators (e) silicone casing

EDA Self-Interface Design Typologies

Info Contact

Nava Haghighi

Self-Interfaces

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