Advanced Interactive Design - Exercise 1: Asset Creation

Name: Liong Xenyi (0383125)

Module: Advanced Interactive Design (DST60804)
Date: 11/05/2026 - 25/5/2026 (Week 4 - Week 6)
Degree: Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media
University: Taylor's University

Instructions

Objective: Design a functional "Smart Assistant" avatar or UI widget using vector tools.

The Task: Using the drawing tools in Adobe Animate (Pen, Oval, Rectangle), create a character or a central UI hub.

Requirements:
Use Object Drawing Mode to keep shapes clean.
The "Layer Rule": Every part that needs to move (eyes, arms, glowing core) must be on its own named layer.

Process

I started with the sketch. I wanted to create something that reflects a smart assistant, but something new and different than just a plain robot. I was thinking of characters that resemble the roll, and started thinking of traits similar to them to shape my avatar. I combined a few traits and made a new look: I made a robot animal that has headphones and a digital screen. I decided to make a fox avatar, as they are one of my favourite animals, and are smart and charismatic in nature. I was thinking of owls or ravens, but I think they are a bit too overused, and decided to use a fox instead. I made a rough sketch before proceeding to Adobe Animate.

Fig 1.1 Avatar Sketch

I started with the head first. I used the pen tool and shape tool for more simpler shapes, and used the Object Drawing Mode to keep the shapes clean and movable. I separated each body part, and objects that will be moved to different layers, with short names. Originally, I wanted to colour it orange, but I made changes to a light blue, to represent the robotic nature of the avatar, while trying to retain the 'fox' look. The blue colour also is inspired by one character I referenced.

Fig 1.2 Making the Head

Next, I made the eyes and snout into two separate layers.

Fig 1.3 Eyes and Snout

I added items, the headphones and some tech glasses, to give more details and life to the avatar. I tried to make it look like an animation character, where it appeals to all ages, and so I can also animate it to look livelier and interesting.

Fig 1.4 Glasses and Headphones

Lastly, I added a body with some clothes to show that it is a working robot, and have a rough final look. Throughout the process, I experimented with different colours to see what fits. I like giving the avatar a contrasting look that can attract the viewer's eye, so I mostly used shades of blue and pink. It is mostly pastel or light colours, as I don't want it look dull, but rather bright and colourful.