Study 1B: Movement

"But its modern momentum was gained by the invention of cinematography, as demonstrated in the pioneering work of Étiénne-Jules Marey (1830–1904), and its immediate practical application was found in analyzing, optimizing and then regulating factory workers’ bodily movement… The ultimate purpose of the experiments was to find the most efficient way to perform the same task without any unneeded steps. To systematically examine workers’ motion, they used detailed diagrams, stereoscope cameras, motion picture cameras, and small lights attached to the body that would leave the trail of the movement on the film in a long exposure (‘cyclography’). Sometimes these techniques were used to train actual workers, by capturing different workers performing the same job and awarding the one who took the optimal process. In this way, visualizing techniques created knowledge of the individual body, and this knowledge empowered the management in disciplining and controlling the body."

Min Choi – Shadow Play

Overview

Our movements, from the keystrokes our fingers type to where our eyes linger on screen, to our physical location on a map, are valuable information. Both for companies to improve their products, but also for governments and insurgents monitoring citizen and troop movements during wartime.

On a macro level, we are tracked via GPS, wi-fi hotspots and cell phone towers – with and without our consent. For instance phone call records, and the cell towers they’ve pinged, are being used by law enforcement, without warrants, to locate suspected criminals at the scene of crimes.

On a micro level we see our movement tracked with increasing detail. An Apple watch or Fitbit will encourage you to move a certain number of steps per day. While companies like Amazon patent devices to monitor their warehouse workers movements, and construct stores without cashiers and checkouts of any type – instead relying on a complex mesh of cameras to determine what customers purchase.

At the same time, we’re seeing new ideas of geography and spatial notions emerge, and our movements are being tracked for and adapted to new types of maps.

In this assignment you will examine the different ways in which our movements are being tracked, and construct a map that describes this on a micro and a macro level. These maps can be literal or abstract

Learning outcomes

  • Identify different ways in which our movements are being tracked and by which parties
  • Understand how designers contribute to and make this mapping possible
  • Develop a critical position towards the entities monitoring ou physical movements

Calendar

Week 4
TH – Assign Study 1B

Week 5
T – Step 1 due
Take home exercise: Tracking Matrix

Week 6
T – Step 2 due

Week 8
T – Step 3 due / Final crit

Reading

Required

Supplemental

Prompt

Step 1

Identify ways in which our movements are being tracked, these can be digitally or physically, but they should relate back to the human body. Look at both the micro and the macro, for instance our typing patterns and keystrokes, to the routes of our daily commutes. Many of our objects have the potential to monitor us on both of these levels – for instance our phones have sensors that detect their orientation on our persons, as well as technology that enables GPS pinpointing. As you collect examples, consider who is behind them and benefits from this data collection.

Bring in three possible physical tracking methods of your interest along with imagery and links (if applicable) describing them. Make sure to have at least one micro and one macro example, and be prepared to present them in class. Have reasons to make a critical commentary upon these methods.

Due Tuesday Feb 13th

Step 2

Based on feedback, select two methods of tracking and visualize them via collecting. Analyze their function, what do they intend to do, and their visual vocabulary. As if you were an archaeologist, take samples – what typography, imagery, colors, materials and the like contribute to these methods? What technologies are at work and who owns them?

For instance, if you are interested in how Google tracks your movements and to what ends you might research:

  • The visual vocabulary of Google’s data centers
  • The language they use in their digital assistants, Google Now, and Google Maps products
  • The hardware of your specific Android device
  • etc.

Present your findings as a research folder of (at least) 20 images for each tracking method labeled in a zipped folder. In addtion, plot your findings (image and text) on at least two different matrices as described in this exercise.

Due Tuesday Feb 20th

Step 3

Based on your research create two 20 in. by 30 in. maps: showing your chosen tracking methods and your movements in relation to them – one on a macro level and one on a micro level. The two maps should relate to each other in a significant way, visualizing the relationship between the two types of tracking, and introduce your point of view into the topic.

Do your maps focus on how one company pursues your information? Do they make sight of new geographies that we inhabit? Or contrast two different views into the same information?

Furthermore, your maps should suggest a specific reading. They can be guides for evading surveillance, or detailed looks at your own data.

Due Tuesday Mar 6th

Requirements

  • Informal presentation on three movement tracking methods
  • Digital research folder on two movement tracking methods
  • Two 20in by 30 in "maps" charting these movement methods

References

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