Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes / CHArt-LUTIN

Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE) have researches in Life and Earth Sciences, in Biodiversity dynamics, Cellular environment and regulation, and Neurosciences (human and artificial cognitions, neurogenetics, neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, neurodegenerative diseases). The “Laboratoire des Usages en Technologies d’Information Numériques” (LUTIN), associated with the Cognitions Humaine et Artificielle, under the aegis of the EPHE, University Paris 8, University Paris 12 and of Universcience–Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, where LUTIN is located in Paris. LUTIN has the following objectives: (1) to observe, to experiment, to formalize, to model and simulate decision-making processes, learning and behavior, (2) to study pragmatic and semantic dimensions of HCI interactions, (3) to study how to compensate disabilities, from perception to cognitive functions.

As a Userlab and a Living Lab, LUTIN is a platform for usability observations and experimentations. It provides access to various shared equipments and hosts most of the analytical equipment required for its work: eye tracking devices (Eye Tracking Lab), EEG and physiological measures (Physio Lab) a room for observing gaming experience and HDTV viewing (Game Room). LUTIN is equipped with CCTV cameras and recording facilities to observe user experience and user behavior from different perspectives (Media Lab), as well as a Mobile Platform for observing users behavior in ecological settings (Mobility Lab).

LUTIN hosts most of the analytical equipment required for its work. It provides access to various shared equipments such as eyes-tracking systems, evoked potentials systems, Physiological recording systems, video recording and analysis… Advantages are participants for observations, technologies for observation and experimentation, cognitive simulation, interface between disciplines, and links with industries. LUTIN has close relations to industries, and professional teams and users. It offers services and advices for the adequate conception and use of information technologies, among them, those that are dedicated disabilities compensation, from perception to cognitive functions; through imitative action.

The LUTIN’ working principles involve new products or services being co-innovated by researchers, companies, and individuals. It is a meeting point between technology and usage and a place where new experimental methods can be applied, with consideration being given at every stage to the final user, thus facilitating the transition between R&D prototypes and innovative products that are totally adapted to their proposed uses. It also creates synergies between companies and academic research and allows for the study of innovative interactions, as well as traditional man-machine interfaces.

Main of the LUTIN activities is about Knowledge Technologies (Web tools for topologies, Web trails analysis, virtual class tools, e-learning, serious gaming, ...), Usability testing with an observational approach, both at the userlab level than in the real environment of work or life (usability and acceptability).