The live interaction consists of a crane that controls when the animation moves. The crane is attached to one long wire. When the crane passes over a conductive spot on the wire, the animation plays the crane moving in the video. There is also a button to the side of the crane that allows for the user to dump the “doll” into the container. Below is an image of the controller and a video of the animation.
The video has three major controllable animation pieces to it, alongside some automated pieces of animation. The first is the person moving onto the platform, which is when the crane is on the left of the structure. The second animation triggers when the button is pushed, where the “doll” falls into the vat of liquid and comes back up. The third animation triggers when the crane is on the right of the structure and causes the “doll” to move off the screen. This also triggers an animation in the background, where a line of “dolls” accelerates across the screen. This is to showcase the amount of people who try to force a change in their lives. Below is also an animation that plays throughout the whole animation, where there is a conveyor of people going across the screen.
My only artist question is if I should add more to the middle of the animation, due to how empty it feels, or if I should focus more on the overall presentation of the controller?
Update: I did some edits to the physical controller and the animations to the interactive piece. One noteworthy change is that I was able to make the transition of using the controller more smooth by using paper, instead of cardboard. This allowed for a more smooth transition for the wire. I also constrained the stray wire, in order for it to not get stuck/come in contact with other materials in the controller. The button was also fixed, so that the wire doesn’t come loose anymore. Below is an image of the change of the wire.
Another change was one that was recommended by a comment. The change was to make the animation more clear about how the doll was getting dumped into the liquid. So I added an animation to the holder to extend downward and then back up. A video of this is shown below.
The animations are great, but I think you should focus on the presentation for the controller. The interface does not seem easy to understand. How do you want the user to feel from this experience? I love this idea, I have seen it as a theme in media, but I find it relatable.
I would like the person to feel in-control of the assembly line. I want to make the person feel that their actions could result in a negative change to a person and how they should accept others for who they are. I think the reason for why its complicated is because of the fact that the piece of cardboard in the middle is obstructing the person from actually seeing a smooth transition in the animation. I will fix that in the final design.
To answer your question I think that all you really need to do animation wise is lower the body with the moving block the animation of the dipping is confusing in that sense. I really like the animation and that was my only nitpicky complaint. For the project maybe giving the device shiny silver paint would make it more metallic.
I do like your suggestion about adding animation to the crane lowering the person. I think that would help the overall message to the idea and allow the audience to get a better understanding of what is happening.