Artefact Two Evaluation

The aim of artefact two was to find out what applications on either the android or IOS system that artists are attracted to, to create artwork. I have chosen to observe a focus group of artists using drawing apps and completing a questionnaire to gain an understanding of what factors that they connect to whilst using the device in order to create artwork. As well as how they create the artwork I was focusing on each devices functionality and usability as components towards the application and devices successful.

A prominent factor throughout the course of the study was that artists choose the android phone first and that sketcher was the most popular app. This is was because the application was self explanatorily therefore the user assumed that it was easy to use. Also the artists that choose IOS applications first preferred the android art applications (just draw, sketcher) overall as they felt that they provided a wider range of tools. However I find this surprising that they find android tools easier to use due to their functionality systems, as they are both used to IOS.

Throughout artefact two it has become evident that artists are looking for tools that are quick and easy to use with out the ‘clearing up’ factor. Yet they want the detail of using traditional tools. Personally I think that the user interface and how the tools are presented are a major contributing factor to this because artists are initially drawn into the application because of its appearance and user interface. If tools weren’t clearly laid out they would disregard the application, moving onto the next one. Throughout both artefacts it is clear that people want the tool set to be less sensitive and the drawing board to be more sensitive to touch so that fine detail can be created.

Focus group responses to art apps

What I want to find out-

• If the IOS/android apps can be used to created art work successfully by artists.
• If android or IOS functions better as an art tool
• How does using android or IOS affect the creation and display of artwork.
• Which platform work better in terms of functionality and usability

The results-

Artist one-

IOS

Choose IOS and the app artist touch first as felt more comfortable with apple products and was attracted to the user interface of the app. She trusts apple as a brand and uses a MAC to create her artwork normally. Didn't like the style of the instructions at teh start of suing the app, put her off using it as just wanted to draw. Quit using that app and used JUST DRAW to create artwork as it has a simple interface and easy to navigate.

Android

Confused by the black background of the user interface, wanted something that replicates paper. Liked exploring the different brushes but doesn't think it compares to the traditional tools. Finds using fingers too chunky.

Artist two-

IOS

First choice was IOS app adobe ideas as he is used to abode creative suite so finds it a reliable choice. Doesn't find it a useful tool as finds it hard to use. Can't judge where the marker is so can't make accurate marks. Doesn't like the user interface as was expecting something to challenge teh adobe suite. UI easy to figure out but no diversity in the tool set (very basic). Took a while to work out zooming in, still didn't make it easy to create detail. Can't create exactly what you want.

Android

First time using android phone. Thought the app (Sketcher) was easier to use than IOS but found it hard to navigate as there wasn't a menu. The markings where too small to tell where he was marking them on the page. Not easy to control as it makes marks for you. The overall outcome is so undefined that the observer will add in detail with their imagination to construct the object.

Artist three

IOS

Brushes appeals for its easy to use, arty looking interface. Unclear what certain function were e.g spacing. IOS has more gadgets so she experimented with more affects. Colour was hard to find, she thought you could only create artwork in black and white. Also hard to control enlargement function.

Android

Liked the variety of brushes but couldn't find the rubber. Also found it easy to find the colour. She chose just draw for its simplicity of name. Also not used to touch screen technology so found it difficult to control the lines of the drawings. Found the app challenging to use so wanted to try again.

Artist four

IOS

Used just draw, again the artist chose it for its simplicity in name. Found the brushes hard to control as it was a very small line that was produced from his finger. Couldn't tell where the line was going to fall. Easier to use than android app.

Android

Choose android first using the app Andrawing pro. Found the interface childish and the sound effect when you touched the screen off putting. Also didn't feel like he was in control of the drawing because the app would change the colour for you with each new mark made. Couldn't find rubber to add/remove any detail.

Artefact Two Footage

Art apps vs game apps

As a result of my 1st artefact I discovered that Alevel art students don't see apps, such as brushes as a platform to create artwork. They spoke about gaming apps more passionately, even though a lot of the students I spoke to are considering art as a career pathway. I want to explore combining art and game in apps to lure students into using art apps as a creative platform. I think that if art was introduced in a game format then students would find it more natural as in their every day lives the play games such as angry birds. So far I haven't seen many apps that combine both art and game.

I began my research at http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-most-addictive-free-iphone-games/ and have only found one app that combines art and game. Trace is an app that allows the player to draw their own pathways through a range of obstacles to reach your goal at the end of each level.

I have also found many games in this genre that are based on path creating (see http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/best-iphone-line-drawing-games). A variation of this idea would be to create a game that is based on path finding, however to get the points you would have to not only make a successful pathway but create a drawing.

Another app that explored game and art is Gartic. A drawing game that you you have to guess what the other player has drawn, based on a theme. Could be good to get the creative juices flowing?

Doodle jump is another popular gaming app that has a creative edge with its hand drawn character that you use to get through the levels. This has inspired me to maybe look into creating a game that allows you to draw you own character that can get you through a game? It would be something for everyone, addictive because you want to get through the levels quickly to earn the points and appealing to the more creative people because you can make the game your own through the characters. To develop this I though that certain shapes that make up the physics of the character would allow you to get through the game quicker therefore earn more points.