Engaging Children in Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) Development: Utilizing an Interactive iPad Tool to Capture Picture-Based P300-Based BCI Augmentative and Alternative Communication Design Preferences

INTRODUCTION: P300-based brain-computer interface augmentative and alternative communication (P300-BCI-AAC) systems show promise for supporting communication for children with severe speech and physical impairments. However, little is known about how children prefer these displays to be designed. This study examined children's design choices and the rationales guiding those choices to inform the development of user-centered, pediatric BCI-AAC displays. METHOD: Thirty-eight typically developing children (8-12 years of age) used a P300-BCI-AAC design application to create their preferred picture-based interface. Participants selected features such as color, animation, and overlays. Semistructured interviews followed to capture reasons for their decisions. RESULTS: Two themes guided design decisions: (a) supporting visual distinction to make items more recognizable and (b) personal factors influencing design choices. Most children selected preferred colors; animation effects, especially zooming animations; and sound cues. Animation was frequently chosen to help with visual accessibility and ease of target location and to support general personalization, whereas changes in background colors were commonly used to support the incorporation of preferred colors, and video GIFs and picture overlays commonly supported the incorporation of personal relevance. Some participants emphasized symbol visibility or reduced intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the preliminary importance of motion, color, personalization, and visual clarity in pediatric BCI-AAC interfaces. These insights provide a foundation for developing customizable, engaging P300-BCI-AAC systems and highlight the need for research involving children who use AAC in daily life. Research incorporating individuals with motor difficulties is warranted to refine and extend conclusions. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.33289134.