Millions of people worldwide struggle with mental health challenges, attention disorders, and cognitive impairments that can affect their ability to focus, do work and be productive. Yet, we live in a world where everyone is expected to work in the same controlled environment, whether that be in schools or offices. NOVA (Neural Optimisation and Vigilance Analyser) is a non-invasive EEG system designed to track and analyse brain activity in real-time, providing actionable insights into different things like stress, anxiety, focus, and cognitive states.
By creating an accessible, easy-to-use EEG system, NOVA will empower individuals to understand and improve their mental well-being, while enabling them to do work in a way that is best suited to them.
1. What are you making?
I’m going to be creating NOVA (Neural Optimisation and Vigilance Analyser), which is a lightweight, portable brain-monitoring system that helps people understand how focused or stressed they are in real time. It uses non-invasive EEG technology to read brain signals, figure out what mental state you’re in (like focused, tired, or anxious), and then automatically adjusts things like music or screen brightness to help you stay productive. Think of it like a smart environment that listens to your brain and helps you work better.
2. How are OpenBCI tools being applied?
This project will be using OpenBCI’s biosensing tools (i.e. their EEG headset and signal processing board) to read and interpret brain activity anywhere very easily. These tools are essential for collecting high-quality, real-time brainwave data. The data will then be run through a machine learning model that can classify what kind of mental state someone is in, and use that to change their environment accordingly. OpenBCI is what makes it possible for this kind of system to be built affordably and accessibly.
3. Why is this important?
Mental fatigue, stress, and attention problems affect millions of people, yet most workplaces and schools expect everyone to function in the same way. NOVA is important, because it helps empower people to understand and optimize their own cognitive state. Instead of relying on guesswork or generic productivity tips, users can get real-time feedback from their brains and shape their environment to help them think more clearly and feel better. It’s about personalizing the way we work and live in a way that’s backed by hard scientific evidence in the form of brain data.
4. Who is involved in this project?
Currently, I am the only person working on this project, although I do plan on collaborating with others during the project as well if there ever comes an opportunity. If anyone is out there who’s interested in working together, do reach out to me. Would love to get a second pair of eyes and hands on this project!
5. Want to learn more about this project?
To learn more about this project or the person working on it, you can visit my LinkedIn or Medium page for updates, insights, and progress reports. I also make regular posts about other interesting things. If you want to reach out or have any questions, feel free to drop me an email!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-teng/
Website: https://www.evelynteng.github.io
Medium: https://medium.com/@evelynqyteng
Email: [email protected]
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