A Tool for Neurodesign: Interpreting Neurophysiological Data from Designers’ Perspective

Design research has provided numerous theories and tools on design’s emotional factor, all derived from psychology research. Today, however, research in neuroscience, together with technological developments in new instruments, promises new potential. The amount of data that cognitive neurosciences provide can describe a user’s reaction, but this information is dense and not easily accessible or directly usable for designers. The designer cannot interpret the data, not having specific training in doing so. There is a need to support the designer in interpreting the data measured by neuroscience and converting it into design input. This article showcases a tool, a set of specifically designed cards that helps designers interpret the neurophysiological data from the human–product interaction. The goal is to interpret the user’s cognitive and emotional responses, associating the neurophysiological data variations to the characteristics of the stimulus. This results in strengthening the relationship between design and neuroscience. Some limitations emerged during the application of the cards, but the results were satisfactory for being the first step, with the potential for future experiments to refine the instrument.