Kinematic Templates

Validation level: 5. CHI, UIST, CSCW and TOCHI paper publication

The Kinematic Templates are zones on a canvas where certain functions are applied on the cursor. Instead of the cursor behaving normally, its path is influenced by these functions to create the sensation of drawing on a different surface such as sandpaper, fur, etc.

Publications
Copy Bibtex Fung, R.; Lank, E.; Terry, M. and Latulipe, C. Kinematic templates: end-user tools for content-relative cursor manipulations. In Proceedings of the 21st annual ACM symposium on User interface software and technology, pages 47-56, 2008.
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Storyboard of Functions

The user is first selecting a compas template to guide drawing in a circle and then a sandpaper template (applied in circle) to slow down the user along the edges.

Next, the user applies a template that guides parallel drawing and then finally, the user draws parallel lines.

Evaluation
A comparison of freehand drawing and one with the templates applied beforehand.
Highlights:

While the functions do influence the path of the cursor, it still maintains the human factor in a drawing. For example a compas template used for drawing circles will not force the user to draw a perfect circle; it will still look like it was drawn by hand, but it makes it look much better than being drawn with the mouse alone.

Limitations:

The user will have to know when to apply the different templates. Also, the user will have to use a toolbar to find and apply all these.