The Use of EEG to Measure Emotional Response to Tactile Sensation in Evaluation of DSLR Camera Usability

Abstract

This study explores the possibility of using EEG (electroencephalography) in conducting usability tests of hardware products such as DSLR cameras which require physical contact with hands. Since questionnaire-based usability tests use verbal or lingual expressions about tactile feeling, it is often difficult to precisely indicate the level of the differences. Thus this study took a different approach utilizing EEG technology to directly measure psychophysical responses in order to quantitatively observe the difference in tactile sensation. In the experiment, four different brands of camera with similar market position and outfit design were used. Twenty subjects were asked to complete the same three tasks. They included the primary modes of picture taking: gripping, shuttering, and mode dialing. Among EEG parameters, we chose relative alpha band power (7.5-12.5 Hz) and beta band power (13-30 Hz) on the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Subjects were told to perform the tasks twice, once with closed eyes and again with eyes opened. ANOVA and post-hoc analysis were performed to indicate the differences of alpha and beta band power response of subjects during given tasks. In results, relatively apparent differences were observed in mode dialing in left hemisphere and with open eyes than the others. Such data revealed user's tactile preference among four DSLR cameras although the outcome was not always statistically significant. In conclusion, psychophysical response can be applied to evaluate the subtle tactile stimulation of products along with questionnaire-based tests under certain experimentally-controlled conditions. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.