IUL-LUTIN is a Living Lab based on a "userlab" platform for usability observations and experiments. It is currently under the supervision of Université Paris 8 (the university's main institution), UPMC-Paris 6, UTC-Compiègne, and Universcience. The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, meanwhile, is the biggest science museum in Europe and home to a panel of over 1,500 dedicated individuals available to participate in observation and innovation. New products and services being co-innovated by researchers, companies, and individuals constitute the focus of their work.

LUTIN's main activity involves usability testing both at the userlab level and in real-world living and working environments. Its observational approach is dedicated to knowledge technologies (web tools for topologies, web trail analysis, virtual class tools, e-learning, serious gaming, etc.), displaying content (from e-books to immersive 3D spaces made possible by interactive whiteboards and video enhancements), and mobile, Galileo-based technologies. The results of these efforts can be experienced by the greater public (including people of all ages and cultural backgrounds) at Parc de la Villette - one of the largest parks in Paris and home to restaurants, museums, concert halls, live performance stages, and theatres, as well as playgrounds for children.

IUL LUTIN provides access to various shared equipment and hosts most of the analytical instruments required for its work, such as eye-tracking devices (Eye Tracking Lab), EEG and physiological measures (Physio Lab), and a room for observing gaming experiences and HDTV viewing (Game Room). LUTIN is also equipped with CCTV cameras and recording facilities to observe user experiences and behaviour from different perspectives (Media Lab), as well as a mobile platform for observing user behaviour in ecological settings (Mobility Lab).