Tag Archives: facial expressions

Emotiv

July 22, 2010 udcom

The Emotiv headset is a personal computer interface that works by detecting facial expressions and electric signals produced by the brain. Some of the applications currently compatible with the Emotiv include games that give players the fantasy of having supernatural powers and an onscreen keyboard that allows people with locked-in syndrome to communicate. Eventually the technology could be used to control all aspects of our computers, as well as robots or smarthouse technologies in the real world. The day might be coming when you can turn on lights and open doors with a simple thought. There are clear accessibility applications for this technology, and indeed Emotiv is developing an electric wheelchair interface that allows users to drive by means of their facial expressions and thoughts.

Universal Design (UD) is an approach to design that increases the potential for developing a better quality of life for a wide range of individuals. It is a design process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). It creates products, systems, and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.