NoldusHub

NoldusHub is a multimodal software system developed by Noldus for human behavior studies. It is designed to consolidate data acquisition from multiple measurement tools — including webcams, eye trackers, and physiological sensors — into a single interface, reducing the complexity of managing separate programs and synchronizing data streams manually. It is suited for researchers across a range of disciplines, from those new to behavioral research to experienced practitioners.

The system captures behavioral and physiological signals simultaneously, providing real-time feedback on data quality and enabling insights into human motivation, emotion, and decision-making. A standard NoldusHub solution consists of a NoldusHub Core with one participant station and one test leader station, accessed via a secure browser from a central interface.

Measured Signals and Data Types

• Facial expressions — captured via webcam; supports analysis of basic expressions including happy, sad, angry, surprised, and neutral, as well as mental states such as interest, boredom, and confusion.
• Gaze and fixation — recorded using a stationary eye tracker to observe where a participant looks on a computer screen, providing data on attention, cognitive load, and arousal.
• Physiological measures — collected via ECG and PPG sensors to detect changes in physiological state, including indicators of activity, excitement, or fear.
• Audio, video, screen captures, and behavioral observation — supports recording of postures, movements, and nonverbal and verbal behavior to provide a complete picture of participant responses and motivations.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Integrated data collection from multiple device types in a single platform.
• Synchronized data streams from webcams, eye trackers, and physiological sensors.
• Real-time calculation of derived data including facial expressions, heart rate, and electrodermal responses, accessible immediately during data collection.
• Post-collection calculation of more complex indicators such as cognitive workload, derived from pupil dilation and ambient light data, available in replay mode.
• Centralized overview of and access to projects and data streams.
• Immediate feedback on data quality during sessions.
• Downloadable data including raw signals such as pupil size and data quality metrics, with export options expanded based on user demand.

Workflow and Setup

1. Connect devices (webcam, eye tracker, physiological sensors) to the NoldusHub Core.
2. Log in via a secure browser to access the central management interface.
3. Configure and manage experiments from one access point that controls and visualizes all recorded signals.
4. Monitor data quality in real-time during sessions and adjust as needed.
5. Review complex derived indicators after data collection using replay mode.
6. Access, view, and edit stored data from any device with granted permissions, or download data locally at any time.

Applications

• Human behavior studies
• Cognitive psychology research
• Usability testing
• Behavioral economics research
• Any research requiring simultaneous capture of physiological and behavioral data from multiple sources

Data collected by NoldusHub is stored on a dedicated server within the organization's own network, keeping raw and processed data in one centralized location. Access can be granted to multiple users, and data can be downloaded to individual computers as needed. The platform is accessed through a secure browser, supporting deployment within institutional or organizational network environments.