Understanding how the affective quality of motion is perceived in the user interface

Abstract

More than ever, entertainment is being serviced via digital media. In this context, the user interface design must consider emotion, since it is a key aspect of entertainment. To approach user emotion, the affective quality of the user interface needs to be designed appropriately. In comparison to static elements such as color and texture, motion has received little attention, despite its increasing use for digital content. To gain positive emotion from an entertainment experience through interactive digital media, motion needs to be designed for affective quality as well. In this study, we investigated how the affective quality of motion is perceived in user interfaces. To do this, the Effort system, which is part of Laban's theory, and describes the affective quality of movement, was examined in relation to three properties of general motion: path curvature, duration, and acceleration. The applicability of the Effort system for the design of motion in user interfaces was also discussed.