Making Art for Eye-gaze Users: Revisited

 Hey Tek-ninjas! Back in April of 2020 I shared some insights from a Tobii Dynavox Tech Support colleague around making artwork with eye gaze devices. This article has been share and reshared quite a bit, but since then Tobii Dynavox released the newer iSeries which includes Computer Control. Over the last 2 years, Computer Control has been evolving rapidly with so many tool options. Now Computer Control has a really nice drawing mode, however it takes some education and practice. Remember, Computer Control is available only on the iSeries and the PCEye.

If you have someone interested in drawing with eye gaze, regardless of the art software, you will want to check out the Learning Hub video and guide course "Using Functions in TD Control".

Additionally, here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• first time is a bit tough, but after a minute or two of practice you should get better control
• there's almost a delayed magnetic field to the drawing tool's direction, which serves to allow you a delay in control that is quite beneficial once you get familiar with it
• The Control circle is called "The donut shape"; the inner circle is where you draw, the out circle is the direction. If you go out of the outer circle, it stops. within the donut is speed - closer to the center the slower your drawing - further from the center (but still in the donut) the faster your drawing.

This takes some practice, but folks are using it successfully with basic art programs like Microsoft Paint all the way to Photoshop. Below I've posted the original article with the art programs recommended by Orry. I've not changed the original article at all, knowing that there are folks out there successfully using their i12's and i15's with Windows Control or Gaze Point. 

Hey Tek-ninjas! Recently my colleague, Orry Deason shared a post with our co-workers. I'm essentially sharing it word for word - there's not much I could add to improve it. I will add, if the end-user's device is still "locked" as a dedicated device, and they are accessing one of the online platforms noted below, they will need to contact the device vendor to pay the unlock fee. For Tobii Dynavox that fee is $25. Enjoy.

"This comes up every so often so I figured I'd share; art programs that have worked previously with our devices. 

There's no art program with built-in/native eye gaze, but third party programs can be used via Windows Control or Gaze Point, which are included on (Tobii Dynavox) devices. Here are some we have seen work, though the software you should use depends on the age and ability of the user and the complexity desired.

Microsoft Paint 

Microsoft Paint

is included on Tobii Dynavox devices. It is basic and straightforward, and easy to use, but some of the options may be too small for some eye gaze users to hit.

Paint.net

Paint.net (https://www.getpaint.net/ - (Free) is comparable to Microsoft Paint with some additional features. Again, some options may be too small for some users to hit.

Kid Pix 

Kid Pix

(https://www.mackiev.com/kidpix/ - (paid with free trial) is designed for kids, but has a lot of art and animation options. It's also nearly as old as I am. 

Paint Online

Paint Online (https://kidmons.com/game/paint-online/ - (free) is very simple, geared towards younger children, but the large buttons on it may make it easier for eye gaze users. It is web based, though, so some users may need guidance on accessing the website. I'd recommend using the Full Screen button at the bottom right. 

Sketch.io 

Sketch.io

(https://sketch.io/ - free) is also web-based with more features than Paint Online, but has a large drawing area which may be easier for eye gaze users to access. 

SketchUp

SketchUp 

(https://www.sketchup.com/ - free and paid versions) is a program made for 3D art, and is much more complex than the others. (The artist Francis Tsai used this program along with Adobe Photoshop, using a Tobii Dynavox device: https://www.iamag.co/the-iconic-eye-gaze-art-of-francis-tsai/ ) 

ArtRage 

Art Rage

(https://www.artrage.com/ - paid) is popular and relatively easy to use--the less expensive/less complex Lite version may be easier for Eye Gaze users, with larger buttons for better accessibility. (The artist Megan Fry uses this program with an I-12! https://www.artrage.com/artrage-artist-feature-megan-fry/) 

Aseprite 

Aseprite

(https://www.aseprite.org/ - paid with free trial) is geared towards pixel art/sprites and small animations and is easy to access, but has some level of complexity and some of the advanced features may be tough for eye gaze users to hit."
Orry adds that "this list isn't exhaustive, but hopefully it will point you in the right direction!" If you readers have other suggestions please don't hesitate to post in the comments section, and include links! 

Happy art making!

Making Art: Eye-gaze Users

Hey Tek-ninjas! Recently my colleague, Orry Deason shared a post with our co-workers. I'm essentially sharing it word for word - there's not much I could add to improve it. I will add, if the end-user's device is still "locked" as a dedicated device, and they are accessing one of the online platforms noted below, they will need to contact the device vendor to pay the unlock fee. For Tobii Dynavox that fee is $25. Enjoy.

"This comes up every so often so I figured I'd share; art programs that have worked previously with our devices. 

There's no art program with built-in/native eye gaze, but third party programs can be used via Windows Control or Gaze Point, which are included on (Tobii Dynavox) devices. Here are some we have seen work, though the software you should use depends on the age and ability of the user and the complexity desired.

Microsoft Paint 

Microsoft Paint

is included on Tobii Dynavox devices. It is basic and straightforward, and easy to use, but some of the options may be too small for some eye gaze users to hit.

Paint.net

Paint.net (https://www.getpaint.net/ - (Free) is comparable to Microsoft Paint with some additional features. Again, some options may be too small for some users to hit.

Kid Pix 

Kid Pix

(https://www.mackiev.com/kidpix/ - (paid with free trial) is designed for kids, but has a lot of art and animation options. It's also nearly as old as I am. 

Paint Online

Paint Online (https://kidmons.com/game/paint-online/ - (free) is very simple, geared towards younger children, but the large buttons on it may make it easier for eye gaze users. It is web based, though, so some users may need guidance on accessing the website. I'd recommend using the Full Screen button at the bottom right. 

Sketch.io 

Sketch.io

(https://sketch.io/ - free) is also web-based with more features than Paint Online, but has a large drawing area which may be easier for eye gaze users to access. 

SketchUp

SketchUp 

(https://www.sketchup.com/ - free and paid versions) is a program made for 3D art, and is much more complex than the others. (The artist Francis Tsai used this program along with Adobe Photoshop, using a Tobii Dynavox device: https://www.iamag.co/the-iconic-eye-gaze-art-of-francis-tsai/ ) 

ArtRage 

Art Rage

(https://www.artrage.com/ - paid) is popular and relatively easy to use--the less expensive/less complex Lite version may be easier for Eye Gaze users, with larger buttons for better accessibility. (The artist Megan Fry uses this program with an I-12! https://www.artrage.com/artrage-artist-feature-megan-fry/) 

Aseprite 

Aseprite

(https://www.aseprite.org/ - paid with free trial) is geared towards pixel art/sprites and small animations and is easy to access, but has some level of complexity and some of the advanced features may be tough for eye gaze users to hit."
Orry adds that "this list isn't exhaustive, but hopefully it will point you in the right direction!" If you readers have other suggestions please don't hesitate to post in the comments section, and include links! 

Remember, wash your hands!!

Shameless Self Promotion!

"Sisters"

Hey Tek-Ninjas! Today  I have made a few changes to my blog site.

For a while now I have experimented with advertising. You may have noticed on the right side of the blog, a selection of ads. I've decided that the advertisements detract more than add benefit.

So. No more ads.

In addition, I am embarking in a little shameless self promotion. If you note at the top of my blog at the menu bar I have a new link: Jim's Art. Please take a moment to explore some of my digital as well as oil creations.

As always thanks for looking!

Self-promotion...

Hey Tek-Ninjas! I am shamelessly hocking my artwork for the holidays.

Midnight today ends "shameless pimping my work" day. Y'all go buy a print or two! 

Save 50% off any image. Offer ends December 8th at midnight. Use the code: JINGLE50. 
http://www.imagekind.com/art/stunning/jim-tignor/artwork-on/fine-art-prints

Zot Artz: A closer look

Giant Roller

This morning I just had to go back to Dwayne Szotz's area to learn more about his Zot Artz events & experiences. According to their website: "Creative expresssion is a primary human need, necessary for self-fulfillment and self esteem. Art is a from of creative expression in which individuals with disabilities can excel, given the opportunity."
As a fellow artist, I couldn't agree more! Zot Artz's mission is as follows:

Pogo Stamp

"Rather than finding ways for people with disabilities to participate in activities for non-disabled people, we create entirely new activities and projects for people with disabilities and invite those without disabilities to join in."

Stencil Creation

This mission is what really makes Zot Artz so unique and fabulous. On their website you can purchase tools from them, or arrange an event at your site. Art work projects vary in size and scope, allowing for graded difficulty to suit the user. Here at Closing the Gap folks with and without disabilities decorated their canvas totes provided by the conference.
Tools include custom made stamps of all different sizes, including hand-held rollers, wheel-chair driven rollers, and pogo stamps.

Hand Held Roller

As an Occupational Therapist I get all kinds of excited thinking about the skills this activity engages (sequencing, hand-use, bi-lateral hand-use, planning, just to name a few). As an artist, well, the end results are really beautiful.
So, take a closer look at Zot Artz, and see if this interesting Assistive Technology might become an important part of whatever program you are working with.

Happy therapy!

Shameless Self-Promotion

Big River

Hey Tek-Ninjas!

So, if you've read my bio, you know that I am an artist as well as an Occupational Therapist.

Recently I've been merging my love of technology with my love of the arts, by creating artwork using my iPad. Taking it a step further, I'm venturing forth to sell some of my prints using an online service.

Please take a look at my site here, and share with your friends. I'm certainly not quitting my day-job, or stopping my blog here, but perhaps I can sell some work too!  Thanks for looking!

Faces iMake: More than just fun...

Recently I was introduced to a great new app called "Faces iMake" by iMagine Machine and acclaimed artist Hanoch Piven.  It sells for a mere $1.99 in the iTunes store.

As a visual artist, I absolutely love this app! The opportunities to play and be creative are endless.  The library of pre-made images is extensive, and the ability to import one's own images is terrific.  I also enjoy being able to share my work on the built in Face World server. The artwork others are making is really wonderful. Built into this function is the ability to download other's work, make changes to it, and upload it. Mr. Piven writes about this here. 

As an Occupational Therapist I also love this app.  

Faces iMake provides multiple therapeutic opportunities including:

• sequencing
• finger isolation
• finger-to-thumb opposition
• drawing with alternative tools
• spatial organization
• temporal organization
• motor planning
• writing prompt
• receptive language skills
• social skills

Incorporated in the app are six art lessons geared towards using the app, which are given by Mr. Pivon himself.  The lessons are brief and entertaining. Below is one of the lessons.

Here are a few Faces iMake "master-pieces" that I created!

The one to the right displays the tool bars to the left and right of the image. The whole layout is very intuitive to use, and while the "How to" video is really great, one can actually just jump in and start playing immediately if inclined.

First Effort!

Taking a picture of my desktop, I then took a photo of myself, and I found a cartoon image of a ninja. All of that was easily imported straight into the app. Then I used the letters, and ta-da! Instant Tech-Ninja artwork!

Tech-Ninja Original

Happy therapy! Happy creating!

Landfill Harmonic

So, this is a bit of a departure from technology, but truly a celebration of the human spirit, ingenuity, and resilience.  And at the end of the day, that is what I get excited about!

Landfill Harmonic is an upcoming feature-length documentary about a remarkable orchestra from a remote village in Paraguay, where its young musicians play with instruments made from trash.

I am amazed at the tonal quality the musicians get from instruments made of trash.  Creating such beauty in the face of societies refuse, surely there are some powerful metaphors happening here!

You can learn more about this project here, and also see them on Facebook here.




Happy living!

Paper: a fantastic new drawing app!

Hey folks, it's been a while since I've written, I have been recovering from an ACL surgery repair. I'm glad to report i am feeling great and I'm ready to get back to writing.

While I was recovering I stumbled upon an app called Paper by Fiftythree. This is not really an educational app, however it has become my latest favorite as an artist.
The app has a beautiful appearance, starting you out with three different notebooks that you can navigate between. The first notebook is a step-by-step tutorial. The other two are blank and allow you to draw or take notes whatever your pleasure is. You can add notebooks as you need to, and customize their covers for easy identification.

The drawing tools handle very nicely. The tools use a technology they call "EXPRESSIVE INK ENGINE" which "reacts to your movements to optimize each tool for the process of creation. Get a range of expressions from a single tool without fussing with settings for great handwriting, beautiful coloring, and sketching that just works." what this translates to is the ability to actively effect line quality!

The app is free theoretically. When you first download you get the pen and eraser. You will want to get the pencil, watercolor brush, and the two different magic markers. By the time you're done outfitting yourself you will spend approximately 8 dollars. This is well worth it, but maybe the developers should have just sold it to me straight from the start.

Swiping the page from the bottom up brings up a control panel and from there you are allowed to choose between your ink pen, pencil, thin or thick marker, or watercolor brush. You also can choose an eraser, or from approximately 8 different colors. The color palette may look limited at first glance, however, much like real water-colors or magic markers you are able to blend and mix colors on the page to great effect.

There are three functions I sorely wish were available in Paper. Layers, zooming in for detail, and pasting images. That being said, no other app seems to replicate the watercolor brush affects that Paper offers. This really allows for some truly unique drawing and painting experiences. With none of the mess of actually carrying water colors about with you.

You can learn more about Paper at Fiftythree's website: http://www.fiftythree.com/

Happy drawing!

Mary Oliver qoute

“to live in this world
you must be able
to do three things
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go”

—	Excerpt from in Blackwater Woods by Mary Oliver

Source: goodreads.com