PREPRINT: Found Object Puppeteering as a Tool for Rapid Movement Sketching in 3D Animation

Abstract: Both expert and novice animators have a need to engage in movement sketching -- low-cost, rapid iteration on a character's movement style -- especially early on in the ideation process. Yet animation tools currently focus on low-level character control mechanisms rather than encouraging engagement with and deep observation of movement. We identify Found Object puppeteering -- where puppeteers manipulate everyday physical objects with their hands -- as a creative practice whose use of material "jigs" is uniquely well-positioned to scaffold the novice animator's developing skills. In this paper, we draw on the practice of an expert puppeteer practitioner to inform the design of a system that incorporates physical objects into the animation workflow to scaffold novices into diverse movement exploration while manipulating digital puppets.