Multimodal tool support for creative tasks in the visual arts

摘要

This paper presents an investigation into computer tool support for creative tasks in the visual arts, in particular sketching. The research draws from both theoretical models of creative processes and empirical observations of sketching activity in the domain of character development in animation and illustration. These sources show that creative problem solving through sketching is a highly iterative process during which various constraints are rapidly evolving and being adapted to. A set of requirements for an experimental, multimodal sketching tool was developed, drawing from our theoretical and empirical studies. In order to support the intense, rapid nature of the task, voice input was implemented allowing the user to access functionality without interrupting the hand activity. The multimodal tool also included radial marking menus in order to provide rapid navigation to functionality. Informal evaluations were conducted that provided qualitative feedback about the use of the system.