An Integrated Dual Framework for the Design and Reporting of MI and SSVEP Brain–Computer Interface Studies

This article presents a framework for brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) based on the motor imagery (MI) and steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) paradigms, with a focus on rehabilitation and robotics applications. The development of this framework was based on a review of scientific literature looking for the best practices, common phases, and key components used in research projects and applications in rehabilitation and robotics. The main result of this work is an integrated and dual framework of 20 components organized into two primary sections: the experimental section and BCI system section. The experimental section formalizes the non-technical phases that are critical for a study’s validity. The BCI system section describes technical architecture. Furthermore, derived from the framework, a taxonomy is proposed to structure language, and a checklist is provided as a practical tool to ensure all the elements are present. The proposed integrated dual framework offers a structure that overcomes the limitations of previous models by merging experimental design with the BCI system’s functional components. Its main contribution is the formalization of all phases of a study, which promotes methodological consistency and facilitates the inclusion of ethical considerations and user characterization. This structure, along with the taxonomy and checklist, provides researchers with a practical guide for designing and reporting BCI studies; documentation assessment in three BCI studies demonstrates the applicability and value of the framework as a practical tool. This contribution aims to promote methodological consistency and comparability among MI and SSVEP-based brain–computer interface (BCI) studies in rehabilitation and robotics.