What the facility does
Research on design of accessible technologies for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and people with dementia for their health and wellbeing using participatory design and codesign methods.
Areas of expertise
- Accessible human-technology interaction: Understanding how humans of all abilities interact with technology is crucial for designing systems that are accessible and effective. The SaTS Lab conducts research on human-computer interaction (HCI), interaction design, and behavioural studies to ensure that technologies meet the needs of the users. This research helps to create more intuitive interfaces and improve user engagement.
- Interdisciplinary research: The lab integrates knowledge from design, sociology, psychology, cognitive science, engineering and computer science to produce research that tackles human-centred systemic issues.
- Systems design: One of the core strengths of research at the SaTS Lab is to analyze and map complex systems using systems thinking, futures thinking and human centred methods. SaTS is developing unique innovative design processes for life-centred design.
- Triangulation-based analysis: With expertise in gaze analysis, behavioural analysis, digital biomarker-based analysis and artificial intelligence, the lab is developing methods to integrate qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns and trends in human behaviour for design of technologies.
- Responsible innovation: The SaTS Lab team ensures that technological innovations are developed responsibly and ethically.
- Global partnerships: The lab strives to create a global impact through collaborations with researchers, industry partners and community partners globally.
Research services
- Map and model complex systems and propose solutions that are effective and intuitive.
- Codesign solutions with the community members, coproduce interventions and codeliver the knowledge and outcomes from the research.
- Use data triangulation methods to analyze patterns in data and provide insights into social behaviours, predict trends, and develop algorithms that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of technological systems.
- Engage in exploring the responsible use of AI in the design of technologies, by following principles of human-centred AI for design and development.
- Collaborate with industry partners, and non-profit organizations to apply research in real-world settings, leading to the development of innovative solutions that address pressing societal challenges.
Sectors of application
- Arts and cultural industries
- Healthcare and social services
- Information and communication technologies and media
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Tobii Pro Glasses 3 Wireless 100Hz Hardware Package | Eye tracking glasses with corrective lenses -8 to +3 to collect gaze information. |
| Tobii Pro Lab | Eye tracking analytical software to create different gaze overlays and analyze gaze data. |
| Noldus Observer XT behavioural coding and analysis software with Media Module (version 16.0) (2 licenses) | Video analysis software to analyze four audio/video data at the same time. |
| Noldus FaceReader facial expression recognition software | Observer XT module to analyze facial expressions for emotion mapping. |
| Noldus Observer XT External Data Module | Data module to import numerical data (e.g., from digital biomarkers and biological sensors) and categorical data into Noldus Observer XT software for integrated and triangulated analysis. |
| Data analysis stations (4) | PC (2) and Mac (2) computing stations for data analysis with high end computing power, high memory and a robust graphics card. |
| PC laptops for field study (2) | High end computing stations for in-field data collection and live analysis. |
| ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software | Analyze qualitative data such as interviews, videos, images, questionnaires, diaries, etc. Licence for PC and Mac. |
| Microsoft HoloLens 2 Development Edition (1 License) | Software development module. Includes a headset. |
| Boblov M5 2K Body Camera (2 cameras, 64 GB and 128 GB storage capacity) | Body cameras for data collection in a longitudinal study. GPS enabled, 1440P, built-in 4200 MAH battery,12 hours recording, IP67 waterproof, night vision. |
| Research Lab | Data analysis and interviews with participants. |
| Empatica EmbracePlus smartwatches (2) | Sensor watches to collect digital biomarkers such as pulse rate, electrodermal activity (EDA), skin temperature as well as qualitative information such as activity intensity, position of the person wearing the watch, etc. |
| Empatica data processing | Data collected by an Empatica sensor watch is saved in Excel documents and logged to Amazon cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS). |
| Empatica Configuration Platform | Empatica smartwatches can be configured and monitored for data collection through a web portal and an app. |
| Pupil Labs Neon eye tracking bundle | Standard adult sized glasses frames with machine learning powered eye tracking system, Android-compatible for real-time gaze estimation, wearer management, recording, and real-time streaming. |
| Pupil Labs Pupil Core eye tracking headset | Eye tracking system with high speed 120Hz world camera, 200Hz binocular eye cameras. |
| Muse S (Gen 2) EEG-Powered Meditation and Sleep Headband (2) | Advanced sensors accurately measure biosignals, while gentle audio cues deliver real-time feedback to bring focus back to the present. Used to gather brain signals to integrate with other sources of data into Observer XT for analysis. |
Private and public sector research partners
- School of Arts Media Performance and Design (York University)
- Connected Minds (York University)
- Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre