Perception, Interaction and Usability

_DESCRIPTION

PIU - Perception, Interaction and Usability- is an area of applied research in Centro de Computação Gráfica. This area is directed at the study of the human being, its behaviour, adaptation and interaction processes.

In perception, PIU develops scientific research about perceptual processes, namely on multimodal integration and action (visual, audiovisual, audiomotor and visuomotor processes). Related to interaction, there are several projects, in the frontier between basic and applied research, with focus on the human adaptation to new interfaces and displays, motor interaction and biomechanics. Usability is a more applied area of knowledge, integrating notions of user-centred solutions, ergonomics, functional design and also rehabilitation.

PIU is equipped with high-end technology, in a research centre equipped with an augmented/virtual reality system, namely a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a synchronized virtual audio solution, and a Vicon motion capture system to capture, track, and analyse human motion. The goal of this centre is to provide users a highly configurable immersive environment for the simulation, prototyping, and interaction in highly realistic scene displays. Beyond making available the CAVE equipment, PIU’s research team provides several applied services. Some recent PIU projects of applied nature were:

- Prototyping, testing and optimizing beds, chairs, and smart sheets to enhance comfort and reduce topic lesions for disabled populations.

- Testing and assisting in the development of road pavements more acoustically comforting and traffic safe for streetwalkers.

- Calibration of audiovisual interfaces for domestic/commercial tele-assistance.

- Simulating driving environments to implement machine-driver interfaces to support and prevent traffic risk.

- Development of biomechanics studies and products for motor rehabilitation.

- Psychotherapy and competence training in virtual reality environments.

- Analysing comfort/ergonomic/usability indicators (consulting).

In sum, this research area intends to develop human-centred studies and to assist in the creation of new products that maximise the adaptation, provide better usability and comfort, and cooperate in projects related to health, safety, rehabilitation and entertaining.

_TEAM:

• Research Coordinator:

Jorge Almeida Santos

• Development Coordinator:
Catarina Mendonça

• Research team:

Sandra Mouta | Alfredo Pereira | Liliana Fontes | Carlos Silva | Dominic Noy | Mariana Silva