Age differences in visual search strategies for perceiving animation frames

The authors present an experimental study of the perception of an animated frame depending on age. The factors studied are composition, color scheme, and stylization. The article describes the algorithm for preparing the stimulus material and the experimental methodology. Frames from cartoons were used as the basis for the stimulus material. The stimulus material was designed so that it could be clearly divided into groups according to the factors studied. The composition factor – compositional solutions are distinguished according to three main principles – an object against a background, two equivalent objects, the main object, and an obvious subject. The color scheme factor is based on two color schemes – complementary contrast and triadic color scheme. The stylization factor – minimalism and highly detailed images. The experiment involved 40 students aged 18 to 25 and 15 children aged 12 to 18. Based on the obtained data, graphs were constructed showing the dependences of viewing pattern parameters on the properties of frame elements, which are presented in the article. The obtained results suggest a statistically significant effect of age on the perception of animated frames. Younger subjects required more time to complete the experimental task. A statistically significant effect of age on pupil size during viewing of animated frames was also found. Younger subjects had larger pupils during the task. These results can be useful in designing animated frames to enhance the expressiveness of a film. As part of their study of animation frame design methods, the authors hypothesize that the obtained results on the influence of animation frame properties on the perception of viewers of different ages may be relevant for designing animated frames in cartoon production.