Evaluating affective features of 3D motionscapes

Abstract motion textures are widely applied in visual design and immersive environments such as games to imbue the environment or presentation with affect. While visual designers and artists carefully manipulate visual elements such as colour, form and motion to evoke affect, understanding what aspects of motion contribute to this still remains a matter of designer craft rather than validated principle. We report an empirical study of how simple features of motion in 3D textures, or motionscapes, contribute to the elicitation of affect. 12 university students were recruited to evaluate a series of 3D motionscapes. Results showed basic motion properties including speed, direction, path curvature and shape had significant influence on affective impressions such as valence, comfort, urgency and intensity, suggesting further directions for applications and explorations in this design space.