BIP courses
Name of the course: “Ubiquitous Movement Sensing”
Physical learning week in Tallinn University: December 16 - 20, 2024
Workload: 3 ECTS.
Target group: Students (Bachelors, Masters, PhD) coming from all disciplines, with a particular interest in any of the following domains: Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Engineering, Dance, Choreography, Kinesiology, Architecture.
Total duration: from November 27 until December 20.
Course description
The course will provide an overview of body sensing approaches through activity tracking, using embodied motion sensing supported by movement theory. A set of hackable hardware and software tools will be presented to the students, following speculation upon ubiquitous sensing applications, integrating sensors into clothing (wearables) and everyday objects (movables). From the frame of movement qualities, we consider ways to monitor behaviour in a variety of situations and environments, evaluating the potential of being used in public spaces and operating outdoors. We will conclude with a prototyping workshop, allowing students to explore and implement new systems relevant to their own design criteria.
Following a series of instructional seminars and task-based activities around the topic of movement data, participants will lead a research enquiry that explores how such data can be captured in various scenarios and environments, including public spaces.
Online sessions
Dates: November 27th, December 4th and 11th
The virtual training will take part before the physical. This will focus on some technical preparations that will facilitate the physical activities. Using free software, participants will learn to use mobile phones to record movement and geolocation data from the built-in sensors.
In-person sessions in Tallinn University, Estonia
Dates: December 16 - 20, 2024
Activities: Seminars and activities focusing on movement qualities, movement sensing hardware and data communication protocols, fabrication strategies, real-time interaction, data contextualisation and visualization strategies, auto-ethnographic design, and storytelling with data.
Goals:
- Ability to contextualize sensory data by applying principles of movement qualities;
- Combining multiple data sources to visualize and develop intriguing narratives around movement data.
Expected Results: A set of group presentations (“data showcases”) followed by feedback and reflection.
Learning outcomes
- Familiarization with wearable sensor devices and data transmission protocols.
- Exposure to data visualization strategies and multimodal data analysis.
- Ability to contextualize sensor data by applying principles of movement qualities.
Funding for students
Students can apply for the Erasmus grant offered by their home university. During the physical learning week the organizers will cover coffee breaks, snacks and some of the food expenses, as well as a diverse cultural programme. Accommodation and some of the food costs the students must cover themselves. No additional payments will be asked from the university's side.
Contacts
The course will be led by Research Fellow William Ruddock Primett and Associate Professor Vladimir Tomberg.
With questions regarding the administrative side of the course and the registration link please contact the Departmental Erasmus Coordinator Maria Saar (maria.saar@tlu.ee).