What stakeholders with neurodegenerative conditions value about speech and accuracy in development of BCI systems for communication

This research examined how individuals with neurodegenerative disease value features of speed and accuracy as they consider potential use of augmentative and alternative communication brain-computer interface systems (AAC-BCI). Sixty-six individuals with neurodegenerative disease responded to prompts about six hypothetical ethical vignettes. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The following themes emerged. (1) Disease progression may contribute to the trade-off between speed and accuracy with AAC-BCI systems. (2) Individual experiences with technology use inform their views about the speed-accuracy trade-off. (3) There is a range of views about how slow or inaccurate communication may impact relationships, the integrity of a message, and quality of life. (4) Design solutions are proposed to address trade-offs in AAC-BCI systems. With the rapid development of AAC-BCI systems, user-centered design must integrate the values of potential end-users illustrating that context, partner, message, and environment impact the prioritization of speed or accuracy in any communication exchange.