Making Bodies: Assumptions in the Design and Validation of Motion Capture Technology

Abstract

Motion capture technologies are increasingly being incorporated into key aspects of social life, but embed potentially harmful assumptions. We examine the structural factors that allow for assumptions to solidify in motion capture systems and propose a matrix that works as a structured guide for motion capture developers to identify and document the assumptions baked into the system they are working on. To motivate novel conversations and future work in this area, we conclude with discussing the application of this matrix as well as its limitations.