Bridging the Gap Between Design and Access: Toward Visual Scene Displays for Brain–Computer Interface Use in Augmentative and Alternative Communication by Children

Purpose: Brain–computer interface (BCI) may support communication and computer interaction through neural signals such as the P300 event-related potential (ERP). As a step toward integrating photographic visual scene displays (VSDs) in BCI, this study examined the feasibility of incorporating contextual, naturalistic scenes in which communication items were embedded asymmetrically. Method: To evaluate the effects of contextual scene use, 24 neurotypical children aged 8–13 years completed three experimental conditions: (1) a contextual scene with asymmetrical item placement, (2) an asymmetrical arrangement of the same items without contextual information, and (3) a standard grid. Electroencephalogram data were analyzed for the N170, P300, and N400 ERP components, and offline (predicted) BCI augmentative and alternative communication accuracy was calculated. Results: The results showed that asymmetry increased frontal and centro-parietal P300 amplitudes, and the scene enhanced occipital N170. Offline BCI performance was similar across the scene and grid conditions, and participants rated the scene as more visually appealing. Conclusion: These findings indicate that asymmetry and contextual embedding within scenes may enhance neural engagement and user experience, providing a preliminary foundation for considering photographic VSDs into pediatric BCI research.