OF MICE AND PENS: HUMAN PERFORMANCE IN DRAWING

Abstract

When asked to draw with pen on paper, people exhibit surprising regularity in the apparently free choices they make to execute primitive strokes. Some patterns can be explained in terms of the mechanics of holding the writing instrument; others stem from economy of motion; yet others signify preferred ways of achieving precision when anchoring lines. This paper describes a series of experiments designed to test the extent to which the effects carry over to drawing with mouse and drafting program. It concludes that some habits transfer, albeit in weaker form, despite the fact that mechanical constraints are radically different.