Brain Computer Interfaces, or BCIs for short, have been around for a while now. However, never before were they packaged as a well designed commercial product. This project is a showcase of how we designed the Nexstem headset with a form and product architecture that is not just functional, but also inspires admiration.
The core of the brief was to realise NexStem’s vision for a revolutionary Brain Computer Interface (BCI), ground up. A product that could capture the electrical activity of the brain and translate it into actionable outcomes like interfacing with machines. For a device that could altogether transfigure the way we interface with machines, its foundation were laid in thorough research and vision building. Aimed at application in Research & Development, clinical practices, gaming, VR, etc. the BCI’s design had to be addressed for various unique users & use cases. Here’s a glimpse of the thought and craft that was involved in the design of this one of a kind product.
BCI’s have had their origins tied closely with Electroencephalogram (EEG) Devices and hence a clinical outlook and experience has lingered in its interpretations throughout. NexStem’s vision of taking BCI’s to consumer spaces such as homes & offices though, meant a dire need to break away from any clinical ties. This demanded re-looking at the User Experience of the product from diverse touchpoints.
At Studio Carbon, we also believed that the nascent stage we are in for BCI’s is akin to the dawn of computers in the late ’70s, when none expected computers to revolutionise the way we work. BCI’s hold a potential to radically shift the way we interface with Machines only with the power of thought. This thought led to the creation of various key hypotheses that shaped NexStem’s BCI.
NexStem’s applications have found their way into the virtual arena of Metaverse. Equipping users with ‘thought-enabled-actions’, it is the perfect companion for the residents of the Metaverse who’ve longed for a hands-free mode of interaction. Coupled with its ergonomic fit, is the onboard battery backup of 8 hours equipped with wireless transmission, enabling hours of hassle-free Metaverse experience.
The transition of BCI’s from clinical applications to consumer spaces also demand a cognitive shift for users. EEGs with their several tangled wires and complex setup procedures have long embedded a sense of apprehension amongst the users or patients. In order to effectively tackle this, it was crucial to refine the visceral and tactile experience of the product, one that was inviting and amicable. This thought led to several thoughtful design decisions for the User Experience as well as the styling of the product.
The Product Development cycle involved a rigorous feedback driven loop. Iterations guided by product testing and user feedbacks culminated in a well thought through product. Various factors such as ergonomics, comfort, ease of use, manufacturability and aesthetic appeal were evaluated throughout the variations for their effectiveness
The styling of Nexstem’s BCI is primarily driven by function. An open headset design proved to improve the comfort as well as fit for a wide range of users. This eventually lead to the design of the three armed, trident silhouette. The amicable user experience which was laid out earlier, led to the design of large rounded surfaces which imbue an inviting nature to the product. An overall organic and sculpted style was then arrived at. The product is marked by creases at the intersection of large curvilinear surfaces marking several signature character lines for the product. The sculpted bump at the rear optimally hosts the battery and the volume is meticulously sculpted with two fading creases to be in unison with the overall form language.
