Designing Feedback Stimuli in Neurofeedback: Preliminary Requirements from Experts and Users

This study presents the first phase of a transdisciplinary research project aimed at improving the design of visual feedback stimuli in neurofeedback (NFB) applications. While current NFB research has focused extensively on signal processing and feature extraction, limited attention has been given to the design and user experience of feedback stimuli. To address this gap, the research team conducted generative user research including site visits, expert consultations, and semistructured interviews with domain experts and previous NFB participants. Analysis of the collected data yielded a preliminary set of design requirements. User-centered requirements include minimizing cognitive load, enhancing attention and engagement, incorporating positive reinforcement, supporting a sense of agency, and providing clear instructions. Technical requirements include reducing artifacts, ensuring low-latency feedback, and promoting participant relaxation. These findings lay the groundwork for iterative design and evaluation phases, with the ultimate goal of delivering validated stimuli and design guidelines to the NFB research and clinical communities.