Observations from Student Exercises to Collect Human Behavior and Movement Data

Experiments and field observations have been the main source for data used to develop empirical models and inputs for evacuation computer software. Although researchers have been highlighting the need to gather additional data from various building and occupancy types, across a broader spectrum of occupant demographics, data remain scarce. There have been some attempts to develop a general framework for data collection especially during fire drills. However, specifics about the architectural settings and conditions under which data are collected are often not addressed. As a means to help students learn more about the importance of various human and building factors on occupant use of egress systems, and to help generate additional data for analysis and use in evacuation modeling, students in the Worcester Polytechnic Institute course, FPE 580M, People and Fires, were asked to undertake an experiment-based project related to human behavior, pedestrian movement and identify a human behavior or movement attribute by observing people in public spaces under normal conditions. This study discusses the suggested experimental setups given to students, some of the student project findings, some of the challenges faced during data collection and analysis, and suggestions for others embarking on similar exercises in the future.