Project Leader: Dr. hab. Sławomir Wacewicz, Prof. UMK
Project Overview: Toruń Interaction Lab (TIL) is a technologically advanced research program focused on human communication. TIL is inspired by the success of our scientific partner, Lunds Humanities Lab, which is a European leader in experimental humanities. Following the model of LHL, TIL also aspires to become a university-wide center for behavioral research, providing cutting-edge research infrastructure to other scientific teams.
The core idea of TIL is to use the latest technologies to quantitatively study human interactions, complementing traditional descriptive approaches with precise measurements. For example, previous research by our team using motion capture technology demonstrated how gestures become increasingly economical across successive rounds of nonverbal communication. In addition to movement patterns (mo-cap), TIL will analyze the full spectrum of physiological parameters, such as heart rate variability (HRV), breathing rate (BR), arousal (EDA), gaze direction (eye tracking), energy expenditure (thermography), and even olfactory responses, using the innovative Olfactor technology developed at UMK by our team members.
Two thematic areas are central to the project: multimodal alignment and studies involving groups with specific needs.
Alignment, i.e., the tendency of interlocutors to use similar words or gestures, promotes understanding and cooperation. The overarching research hypothesis assumes that physiological alignment (e.g., synchronization of heart rate) affects communicative alignment and interaction effectiveness.
Multimodality – natural human communication is inherently multimodal, as it relies not only on words but also on space, gaze, and movement. A multimodal approach to communication is a relatively new research trend. Our studies will contribute to emerging global standards for the quantitative description of communication occurring simultaneously across multiple sensory modalities. We will focus on how interlocutors coordinate expression on multiple levels (e.g., speech, gestures, gaze) during conversation. Immersive technologies such as VR/AR/XR will be used to combine ecological validity with full experimental control, providing an excellent tool for studying communication in digital environments. A particular innovation will be the inclusion of olfactory stimuli, giving TIL a competitive advantage on a global scale.
The applied aspect of the project involves using research results to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, the elderly, and neurodiverse individuals, through collaboration with current partners (e.g., Koalicja Polska Laryngektomia, Neuroanalytics, Neurodio, Polish Association of the Deaf, Vobacom) and new partners from the socio-economic environment.
The project builds on the experience of the interdisciplinary CLES and NeuroVision teams, who possess the necessary equipment and an extensive network of collaborators both nationally and internationally (see, e.g., https://cles.umk.pl/conferences-events/invited/). The team will include linguists, philosophers, cognitive scientists, neuroscientists, psychologists, educators, biologists, and experts in data science and information science.