SketchStudio

Recent subject matters of design have become complex systems involving various elements and multiple users' interactions in large-scale spaces. In addition, visualizing these complex design subjects without preparing heavy resources in the early design phases is challenging. In this paper, we present SketchStudio, a prototyping tool for generating, sharing, and reviewing an animated design scenario involving complex design subjects. The tool allows designers to define the user experience by simply creating a node graph of the user's journey over time and space. SketchStudio instantly generates unique 2.5D animated design scenarios by blending 2D sketches and 3D characters. In addition, the tool supports the virtual reality mode for immersive views of the created scenario prototype. We also report on the result of a user study with nine potential users in the design practice and education fields. Based on our tool-developing experiences as well as on the study results, we discuss possible applicable areas and points for further improvement.