2/7 SIMBICON

We already talked in class about how awkward characters look when they move with a rigid spine. People simply don't move that way. Another thing I noticed, though, about the simulations is that they all landed on flat feet. This looks silly too, like the characters are constantly stomping around. We've seen other research where they give characters soft feet that bend a little on impact. Of course, something that detailed might not be necessary for this sort of simulation. What I was thinking is that there should be more effort put in to making the character lead with its heel, rather than the entire foot. When we walk, we put our heels down first and the rest of the foot follows, but it seems like the simulations are "aiming" their steps with the middle of the foot, making it land as a whole. Naturally, we walk heels first, but we can lead with our toes instead if we want to. Try walking by landing with your arch first. It doesn't work. If the simulations lead with their heels and allow the rest of the foot to follow in the step, I think the motion can look much more realistic.