AttentivU: a Biofeedback System for Real-time Monitoring and Improvement of Engagement

Title: AttentivU: a Biofeedback System for Real-time Monitoring and Improvement of Engagement

Teams: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Writers: Nataliya Kosmyna； Caitlin Morris； Utkarsh Sarawgi； Pattie Maes

Publication date: May 2019

Abstract

It is increasingly hard for adults and children alike to be attentive given the increasing amounts of information and distractions surrounding us. We have developed AttentivU: a device, in a socially acceptable form factor of a pair of glasses, that a person can put on in moments when he/she wants/needs to be attentive. The AttentivU glasses use electroencephalography (EEG) as well as Electrooculography (EOG) sensors to measure attention of a person in real-time and provide either audio or haptic feedback to the user when their attention is low, thereby nudging them to become engaged again. We have tested this device in workplace and classroom settings with over 80 subjects. We have performed experiments with people studying or working by themselves, viewing online lectures as well as listening to classroom lectures. The obtained results show that our device makes a person more attentive and produces improved learning and work performance outcomes.