Exploring the future of movement through technology: Ubiquitous Movement Sensing at Tallinn University

The course attracted a diverse group of 23 students from five partner universities across Europe, including Lodz University of Technology (Poland), Radom Academy of Economics (Poland), Brno University of Technology (Czech Republic), Tampere University (Finland), and Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany). These students, studying at both BSc and MSc levels.

The course, led by DTI Research Fellow in Movement and Computational Creativity William Primett and Associate Professor of Interaction Design Vladimir Tomberg, explored innovative methods for monitoring human movement through the lens of embodied motion sensing. Students gained an understanding of how advanced technology can be used to analyze the subtle qualities of human movement, such as expressiveness, intention, and the context in which it occurs.

A key concept explored throughout the course was "movement qualities"—the idea that every human motion, whether subtle or overt, carries a unique set of qualities that can be interpreted to gain deeper insights into behavior, intention, and context. By incorporating movement theory with cutting-edge sensing technology, participants were given the tools to decode these intricate details and gain new perspectives on everyday activity.

The course also covered a range of techniques for tracking movement in various environments, from personal spaces to public areas. This not only showcased the potential applications of these technologies in a wide range of fields but also challenged students to consider how movement sensing could be applied in dynamic and diverse contexts.

The program was designed to be both academic and experiential. Students participated in a series of seminars, both online and in-person, which introduced them to the theoretical foundations of movement analysis. These seminars were followed by practical demonstrations, where participants used sensing hardware and data visualization tools to collect and interpret real movement data.

A key outcome of the Ubiquitous Movement Sensing course was the hands-on experience that participants gained with wearable sensor devices. Students learned how to operate these devices and interpret the data they collected, which included a range of motion and environmental data. By combining these multiple data sources, students were able to create compelling visual narratives that showcased the diverse ways in which human movement interacts with the environment.

Using this knowledge, participants led a research inquiry to explore how movement data could be captured in a variety of public spaces around Tallinn. They analyzed how these environments—ranging from quiet corners of the city to bustling streets—affected the nature of the movements being recorded. This real-world approach allowed students to see firsthand how the context of a location could influence the interpretation of movement data.

One of the most exciting parts of the course was the group project, where students worked together to map recorded movements onto a shared, collective map. These movements were presented as "data showcases," which included location information, visual media, and sensory data that highlighted the relationship between the environment and human activity.

This collaborative effort not only showcased the power of movement sensing technology but also illustrated the importance of shared knowledge and teamwork in analyzing complex data. By the end of the program, the students had created a unique and interactive map that displayed the intricate patterns of movement throughout Tallinn, demonstrating how technology and human experience intersect in public spaces.

The Ubiquitous Movement Sensing course at Tallinn University was a great experience that highlighted the future potential of embodied motion sensing technologies in everyday life. As we continue to explore the relationship between humans and technology, understanding the subtle dynamics of movement and context will become increasingly important.