Equipment and hardware design strongly influence who can be successfully included in fNIRS research. Many existing systems were not designed with the full diversity of hair characteristics, hairstyles, head shapes, and participant comfort needs in mind.
This stage focuses on hardware design and adaptation strategies that can improve scalp access, optode contact, comfort, and signal quality across diverse participants.
What this stage covers
- Optode shape, size, and length
- Brush, comb-like, or hair-parting optode designs
- Spring-loaded optodes and pressure considerations
- Light barriers and ambient-light reduction
- Cap size, fit, ventilation, and comfort
- Mesh, open, or modular cap designs
- Adjustable optode positions rather than fixed landing pads
- Hardware adaptations for existing systems
- Inclusive design as a core engineering requirement
Current resources
- Khan et al. (2012), brush optodes for improved optical contact through hair: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3342194/
- Crawford et al. (2024), customizable optode attachments to improve hair clearance and inclusiveness: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39588233/
- von Lühmann et al. (2024), ninjaCap, customizable 3D-printable headgear: https://doi.org/10.1117/1.NPh.11.3.036601
Suggested additions
We welcome examples of cap adaptations, optode holders, 3D-printable designs, modular headgear designs, manufacturer guidance, hardware-testing protocols, and hardware-development projects focused on inclusive fNIRS.
English