Reading #27: K-Sketch: A “Kinetic” Sketch Pad for Novice Animators

Comments:
Francisco the Awesome Millionaire with the Diamond Suit

Summary:
K-Sketch is a 2D animation sketching system designed for novice users. The authors conducted interviews with both animators and non-animators in order to come up with a range of tasks that could be supported by K-Sketch. They then implemented a nice set of features that allow users to quickly modify their basic sketches so that they can carry out simple animations.

In a laboratory experiment that compared K-Sketch to a more formal animation tool (PowerPoint), participants worked three times faster, needed half the learning time, and had significantly lower cognitive load with K-Sketch.

That sums it up!

Discussion:
K-Sketch reminds me of a sketch-based Prezi tool. It includes lots of features, some of which are are mapped strangely, and allows users to create some pretty cool stuff given a little bit of time and some patience. It seems like the system would really allow users to express themselves, which is the best thing that could be hoped for.