Application Standards 1.1
Introduction
NeuroSky’s EEG headsets, such as the MindSet and the MindWave are sophisticated devices that bridge your mind to a host of devices and applications. Sophisticated electronic devices demand clear and universally understandable interface. And solid interface helps users feel comfortable with new technology.
The NeuroSky Application Standards outlines how you as the application developer can effectively communicate the status of our technology to your users. These standards set consistency across all software that utilizes our technology. Together, we enable users to have the best possible experience.
NeuroSky understands the importance of flexibility and freedom in design. At the same time, maintaining a uniform visual language raises the bar of all applications that we help distribute and promote.
Third Party applications fall into three categories. Product Pack-In, NeuroSky App Store and Other Stores. Product Pack-In are third party developed applications that are included on a physical CD that is bundled with a NeuroSky EEG headset. These are sold at retail, the NeuroSky Store and distributors throughout the world. NeuroSky App Store is our website’s storefront for software compatible with our headsets. Lastly, Other Stores could include iTunes App Store, Tucows, Android and other storefronts outside of NeuroSky domain. Our Primary Standards are required elements for ALL applications at the Pack-In Application level. Secondary Standards are highly encouraged for NeuroSky App Store and Other Store distribution.
Primary Standards:
- Signal Status Indicators
- Application Introduction
- Ease of Translation
- Instructions
I. Primary Standards:
1. Signal Status Indicators
The most important standard to follow for applications that utilize NeuroSky’s technology is the Signal Status Indicator. NeuroSky’s new standard for Signal Status Indicators are these four icons.
1. Connected
2. Not Connected
3. Fitting, Please wait
4. Battery Low
The purpose of the signal status indicator is to provide just the necessary amount of information to the user. Our technology is made for users of all skill levels. If there is any additional debugging information that can be useful to the user, they will find it in the appropriate message from NeuroSky’s ThinkGear Connector and future formats.
Note: Battery indicator is only available through hardware connections through the ThinkGear Connector. You may find code examples for connecting and implementation of the status signal indicators in the ThinkGear Connector API PDF.
Location: The indicator is set at the top right of your screen. It should be a constant throughout all parts of your application when the headset is being used as part of the experience.
2. Application Introduction
It is highly important to establish uniformity and objectives in the opening of the application. A lead-in screen underlines the usage of NeuroSky technology. An instruction screen will enable an overview of the application’s usage.
A. All Applications that are a part of a Pack-In will initialize with the NeuroSky Lead-in screen and then go directly into the game, without additional nameplates.
B. Under the Main Menu, you must have an instructions option that will open to a brief overview of the application.
3. Ease of Translation
NeuroSky has partners throughout the world. Users in these geographies demand that the application language experience be their own. To simplify this step, and to increase app monetization, your program should be designed for expedient translation.
The Pack-In Application Program enables all developers to broaden distribution and reap significant financial benefits. Only the best programs will be drawn into this worldwide program. Required for all apps in the Pack-In Application Program is the ability to quickly deploy translated material.
NeuroSky constantly looks for new opportunities that will further your returns as a developer. Being able to effectively meet these global demands is vital. Your programs should include either alternate language selections in the program or a datasheet of translated terms can be rapidly compiled to create alternate language versions.
Translation should be considered from the beginning of application development. The shorter the lead-time, the more beneficial your app will be as part of these International bundles.
To help NeuroSky facilitate the translation of your development project, you must:
Provide a document in English of all dialogue/terms in the entire application. This should preferably be in the form of a data sheet (ie. XML) where we can replace the values with translations and enable you to plug in and re-compile.
4. Instructions
All pack-in applications must include an instruction manual as well that review the basics of your application in less than 10 pages. The documents should be cleanly formatted, with clear headings and subheadings that review the basics of your application in more detail than the in-game instructions. An appropriate amount of in-game screenshots should be included.
Also, these documents should be provided to NeuroSky in an editable format, such as DOC, so that NeuroSky can version control and enable translations.
Template instruction manuals are available and we fully extend our help to help you maintain your documentation.
Appendix:
Images