Usability Optimization of Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface and Virtual Reality Systems: A 3-Stage Training Strategy

The usability of hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems is severely challenged by the cognitive complexity of BCI learning in virtual environments, resulting in reduced user engagement and less effective usage. This paper addresses the key issue of low usability and proposes a three-stage progressive training framework aimed at facilitating users' BCI skill acquisition. Specifically, this framework includes a guided immersion stage with highly visual stimuli, an adaptive refinement stage with moderate feedback, and an abstract master stage with minimalist cues, transitioning users from high dependency on rich sensory feedback toward independent mastery replying on minimalist cues. Controlled experiments conducted with twenty-five subjects demonstrate that this framework significantly improves BCI competence among novice users. Comprehensive usability evaluations confirm that compared to the conventional single-stage training approach, the proposed three-stage framework effectively resolves the difficulty in BCI learning and insufficient cognitive engagement to some extent, resulting in higher scores across multiple usability metrics, including efficiency, motivation, and satisfaction. This three-stage training paradigm offers a novel approach to promote BCIVR's development towards practical interaction solutions with an easier learning experience and enhanced perceived usability.