The purpose of the study is to provide a FX TD, or others working with the art direction of fluid animation, with a better understanding on how the use of body forces, influences the perceived realism. The study also examines how the art direction is perceived and if the intended message is understood by the viewer.
The hypotheses were, that art directing fluid animation, by applying body forces, will lessen the level of perceived realism, but that it can be useful in communicating a desired feeling and message to the viewer. To investigate these hypotheses, three animations were created, that varies in the amount of art direction and body forces applied
These animations were shown to the participants in a user study, consisting of 56 women and 58 men, between the age of 16 and 61 years. After seeing each animation, the participants were asked a number of questions, regarding the perceived realism and the message of the art direction.
The results showed, that an increase in body forces applied, will indeed result in a significantly lower level of perceived realism. Whether an animation will successfully convey the feeling and message, intended by the FX TD, is difficult to determine conclusively, but the results of this study show, that it is possible to do so.
This paper has provided a vocabulary and tools that will help anyone working with the art direction of fluid animations and help them achieve the desired results.