The image ratios for designing cute nonhuman anthropomorphic characters

Abstract

Nonhuman anthropomorphic characters have found wide use in various entertainment media, particularly animations, comic books, and games, and the designs of these characters are becoming increasingly diverse. This study employed the baby schema concept to explore the eye, mouth, head, body, and limb designs and body proportions of nonhuman anthropomorphic characters, all of which influence their image styles. The study examined the appearances of popular, cute nonhuman characters to identify the design rationale for various image styles. The relationship between cute nonhuman characters and their images of cuteness was explored in two stages. First, the study conducted a focus group interview and cluster analysis to identify five popular styles of cuteness, namely, innocent, childlike, funny, energetic, and ridiculous. Subsequently, the study administered a questionnaire and obtained 200 valid responses. The results indicated that the five image styles feature unique eye and mouth characteristics and distinct head-to-body and limb proportions. The design rationale for each identified image style of nonhuman characters provides a reference for designing exceptional characters that exemplify various trends of cuteness, which, thereby, enables businesses to seize the market opportunities created by emerging entertainment media industries.