From protocol to activity chronicle

An iterative approach: you can return to the protocol, resume recording, refine the graph or statistics at any time.

Step 1

Design a recording protocol

Before observing, you define what you will record. The protocol organizes categories and observables that become your recording buttons.

Structure recording into categories and observables, a clear framework you can adjust as analysis progresses.
Distinguish continuous states (one active observable at a time per category) and events (point-in-time records, push-button style).
Start from a minimal protocol, not a blank page, then enrich it session after session.
Reuse a protocol from one chronicle to another to compare situations.

The protocol evolves with your understanding of the activity.

Step 2

Observables become buttons. You capture time-stamped records, then refine the list, in the field or while reviewing filmed sequences.

Observe in the field (real time) or on video, with timing aligned to the media.
Choose calendar or stopwatch mode depending on the session type.
Record, pause and comment; buttons respect the observable type (continuous or event).
On video: run multiple passes, vary playback speed, locate each record on the timeline.
Edit the record list at any time: fix a timestamp, search and replace, add entries manually.

You can adjust the protocol without losing records already captured.

Step 3

Records become an activity graph: a visual reading of temporal organization, ready for scientific or professional restitution.

Display the chronicle on a timeline: observables grouped by category, from recording start to end.
Configure display: line, timeline, background; colors suited to publication.
Zoom, choose time display format, hide or keep pauses as needed.
Export the graph and legend (PNG, JPEG), including for PowerPoint or reports.

A chronicle brings together protocol, records and graph: a shareable analysis object, not an isolated screenshot.

Step 4

Between recording start and end, ActoGraph computes indicators to support quantitative analysis without leaving the chronicle thread.

Review the general table: durations, occurrences, totals and relative shares.
Explore by category: duration chart and occurrence histogram.
Cross activity dimensions (advanced mode): for example location × posture, with conditions on continuous states.
Export tables (Excel / CSV) and charts (PNG / JPEG) for your deliverables.

Measurements at the service of interpretation, with readable titles and legends ready to present.