1. BRAINWAVE ENTRAINMENT
APP

2. What is Brainwave Entrainment?
 Brainwave
Entrainment refers to the brain's
electrical response to rhythmic sensory
stimulation, such as pulses of sound.
 When
the brain is given a stimulus, through the
ears, eyes or other senses, it emits an electrical
charge in response, called a Cortical Evoked
Response.

3.  The
basic premise of brain wave
entrainment is that you use certain
technologies (like isochronic tones through
earphones or speakers) to alter your brain
waves, for the primary purpose of
changing the way you feel.

4.  Previous
peer-reviewed research
concluded that brainwave entrainment is
an “effective therapeutic tool” for people
suffering from cognitive functioning deficits,
stress, pain, headaches & migraines, PMS
and other behavioural problems (Huang,
2008).

5.  There
are many apps that utilise
brainwave entrainment but most
exclusively use the use of „binaural beats‟
 https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/brain-wave30-advanced-binaural/id307219387?mt=8
 http://www.beatsbrainwaves.com/mobileapps/
 We propose the use of isochronic tones in
our app.

6.  Isochronic
tones are different in that they
are simply single separate pulses of a
single tone, similar to a metronome or
drum beat. This creates a greater contrast
between sound and silence which can
have a greater effect on the brain.

7.  Self-quantifying
measures for the user can
be found here: http://www.quantifiedmind.com/
• Tests can be completed pre and post exposure to
isochronic beats

8. Field Research With Users





We interviewed a number of students about their interest in
using our app
Most of the students were not aware of the concept of binaural
beats and isochronic tones but found it intriguing
Our target users are students so it will be easy to obtain a
large sample size
We propose to hold focus groups, individual interviews, and
questionnaires
Our Self tracking method we hope to use will involve some or
all of the following:
•
•
•
•
Heart Rate Monitor
Blood Pressure
Regular attention and memory tests
Mood Diary

9. Persona
This is Rob. He is a 3rd year
Student at UCD studying Business.
He is preparing for his final year
Is stressed about the amount of
work that has to come. He gets
Anxious easily and he is looking
for a way to stay relaxed.

10. Background Research


Contact Experts
Previous peer-reviewed research concluded that brainwave entrainment is
an “effective therapeutic tool” for people suffering from cognitive functioning
deficits, stress, pain, headaches & migraines, PMS and other behavioural
problems (Huang, 2008).

There are many apps that utilise brainwave entrainment but most exclusively
use the use of „binaural beats‟
https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/brain-wave-30-advancedbinaural/id307219387?mt=8
http://www.beatsbrainwaves.com/mobile-apps/




http://www.macworld.com/product/79992/brain-power-ambiscience-binaural-isochron.html
We looked at these apps which are similar to our idea but there is no aspect of self
quantification involved
Technical Feasibility

The other apps that are similar demonstrate that our app is feasable. Also, our methods of
self quantification already exist so we would be using existing technology

11. Alternative Proposal

Its self quantifying The user logs their cigarette intake for the day and it
outputs how much money they are spending on
cigarettes and the health implications to encourage
quitting.
It has a goal setting section as well so it slowly weans
you off cigarettes per day to help you quit by your goal
time.

12. 
We found it challenging to find a valid and consistent self
quantification measure
Solution


Using a mood diary which is subjective for every
individual
Using either a heart rate monitor, blood pressure
measure, or attention and memory tests

13.  Second
Problem
 The minimum amount of time spent
listening to the isochronic tones would be
time consuming over the course of the day
 Solution
 Either to shorten the length of the tones or
to be aware of this fact and have these
times planned into your day

14.  Reference

List
Huang, T. (2008). A comprehensive review
of the psychological effects of brainwave entrainment.
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 14(5),