Short answer

Consider the performative potential of animated elements in your designs, focusing on character embodiment and expressive qualities rather than solely on technical execution.

Field: Classic Design
Source: University of the Arts London Research Online (University of the Arts London) (2012)
Method: Practice-based research, documentation of live events, critical reflection, historical review, and practitioner interviews.
Evidence: Moderate effect

Animation can be understood and practiced as a form of performance, challenging the traditional dichotomy between live and animated entities. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2012 study published in University of the Arts London Research Online (University of the Arts London). Using Practice-based research, documentation of live events, critical reflection, historical review, and practitioner interviews., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider the performative potential of animated elements in your designs, focusing on character embodiment and expressive qualities rather than solely on technical execution.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Animation as Performance: Reimagining Character Embodiment

Animation can be understood and practiced as a form of performance, challenging the traditional dichotomy between live and animated entities.

University of the Arts London Research Online (University of the Arts London) · 2012

Key Findings

01Animation can be conceptualized as a message encoded, produced, delivered, played back, received, and decoded.
02The boundary between live and animated performance is fluid and can be problematized.
03Interdisciplinary approaches combining animation with interaction design, fine art, dance, and theatre offer new avenues for animation practice.

Application

Design takeaway

Consider the performative potential of animated elements in your designs, focusing on character embodiment and expressive qualities rather than solely on technical execution.

How to apply

When designing animated characters for any medium, think about their 'performance' – their gestures, expressions, and presence – as if they were actors on a stage.

Project actions

01When developing animated characters, consider their 'stage presence' and how they would move and express themselves if they were performing live.
02Explore how animation can be integrated with live elements in your design projects to create dynamic and interactive experiences.

Method & Evidence

AimTo propose animation as a form of performance by examining its role in character animation and its relationship with live performance.

MethodPractice-based research, documentation of live events, critical reflection, historical review, and practitioner interviews.

ProcedureThe research involved creating a portfolio of animation projects, documenting live events associated with these projects, and critically reflecting on the process. This was supplemented by a review of historical animation practices and interviews with contemporary practitioners who integrate animation with other performance disciplines.

ContextAnimation Studies, Performance Art, Digital Media

Variables

IVConceptualization of animation (as performance vs. technical process)

DVExpressiveness and engagement of animated characters

CVType of animation (character animation), context of presentation (live events, digital media)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Interdisciplinary approach combining theory and practice.
+Focus on a novel perspective of animation as performance.

Limitations

The focus on character animation might not apply to abstract or purely functional animations. The subjective nature of performance can make objective measurement difficult.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be improved by using multiple observers for performance comparison. Validity is addressed through the practice-based approach and practitioner interviews, but the subjective nature of performance can limit objective validity.

Think critically

How does viewing animation as performance influence the design of user interfaces or interactive narratives?

Design Principles

"Animated characters can embody performance principles to enhance narrative and emotional impact."

This perspective shifts the focus from the technical processes of animation to the expressive qualities of character and narrative. It encourages designers to consider the performative aspects of animated characters, influencing their movement, timing, and emotional conveyance, thereby enriching user engagement.

What This Means for Your Design

Animation isn't just about making drawings move; it's like acting for characters that aren't real. Designers can make animated characters more believable and engaging by thinking about how they would perform.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this research when discussing the expressive potential of animated elements in your design, particularly if your project involves character development or interactive storytelling.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research frames animation as a performative act, suggesting that animated characters can be imbued with expressive qualities akin to live performance. This perspective is valuable when considering the design of animated elements, as it encourages a focus on character embodiment, emotional conveyance, and narrative impact, moving beyond purely technical considerations to enhance user engagement and storytelling.

Source

University of the Arts London Research Online (University of the Arts London)

Substitutive bodies and constructed actors: a practice-based investigation of animation as performance

journal · 2012

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about animation as performance: reimagining character embodiment?: Consider the performative potential of animated elements in your designs, focusing on character embodiment and expressive qualities rather than solely on technical execution. Evidence: University of the Arts London Research Online (University of the Arts London) (2012).
Why does "Animation as Performance: Reimagining Character Embodiment" matter for design?: This perspective shifts the focus from the technical processes of animation to the expressive qualities of character and narrative. It encourages designers to consider the performative aspects of animated characters, influencing their movement, timing, and emotional conveyance, thereby enriching user engagement.
How can designers apply this research?: Consider the performative potential of animated elements in your designs, focusing on character embodiment and expressive qualities rather than solely on technical execution.
What were the main findings?: Animation can be conceptualized as a message encoded, produced, delivered, played back, received, and decoded.. The boundary between live and animated performance is fluid and can be problematized.. Interdisciplinary approaches combining animation with interaction design, fine art, dance, and theatre offer new avenues for animation practice.
What research method was used?: Practice-based research, documentation of live events, critical reflection, historical review, and practitioner interviews..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2012 journal from University of the Arts London Research Online (University of the Arts London).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing animated characters for any medium, think about their 'performance' – their gestures, expressions, and presence – as if they were actors on a stage.
What are the limitations?: The research focuses on character animation and may not encompass all forms of animation; the findings are primarily derived from practice-based investigation and qualitative analysis.