A review of using EEG and EMG psychophysiological measurements in user experience research

• Main Author: Taffese, T. (Tewodros)
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Oulu 2017
• Subjects: Information Processing Science
• Online Access: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-201706022478; http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:fi:oulu-201706022478

Application of psychophysiological measurement tools in user experience studies is continuously growing. The development, on one hand, originates from the advantages the tool’s capabilities bring to the user experience(UX) world. On the other hand, the continuous development of systems and devices and the corresponding need for more interactive systems motivate the user experience domain to navigate possible options of improvement. The thesis reviews the use of electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) measurements in user experience research. Both types of measurements come to the UX domain with their unique advantages. Facial EMG is the most suitable tool to monitor the valence of emotion as well as aspects such as stress and focus. The use of EMG is dependent on the context of use and it is important to take those aspects into consideration when taking it into use. In addition EMG can be used as part a user experience design component. Its application could be implemented as interaction or biofeedback mechanisms. From the emotion evaluation point of view, EEG is mostly used with respect to attention and withdrawal towards a system. Various aspects of emotion such as engagement, excitement, attention and focus can be evaluated using the tool. EEG can also be used as part of a user experience design component. Applications could be as a brain computer interface or feedback mechanisms for systems that can adjust themselves on the basis of such data. The study is conducted as a narrative literature review. Background study was extensively done on user experience, psychophysiology, emotion studies, the nervous system and corresponding measurement tools. On the basis of continuous knowledge development, previous studies were assessed, classified, summarized and synthesized. Advantages, limitations, use contexts, application areas and future potentials of EEG and EMG were studied extensively. Results of the study have implications on user experience research domain, as well as industries that intend to produce products with rich user experience.