Voodoo: A system that allows children to create animated stories with action figures as interface

Abstract

Dolls, employed as tangible interfaces, have the potential to provide an easy to learn interaction device that allows children to animate virtual characters in an intuitive way. We assume that dolls and action figures are more compelling, easy to use, and immersive for children than standard interfaces to create movies. We present Voodoo, a prototype of a system where children take over the role of a movie director, animating virtual characters with action figures. Voodoo translates the action figures movements into animations, based on movement patterns and on the narrative context of a well-known story. We maintain that our approach will easily and joyfully empower children to create animated stories. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.