-Kensinton track ball uses RED OPTICS for cursor accuracy.
-Bluetooth connectivity is a valuable option to have.
[side note: having built in bluetooth electronics rather than having a wireless receiver style connection will increase durability of product (wireless receivers tend to wear or break faster then the mouse itself). however it seems that bluetooth connectivity has feasibility issues like speed and usability.
-left handed people can only use trackball mice the have the ball in the center (Logitech MX Ergo is only for right handed users.
-some come with detachable wrist rests for added comfort
-having vertical scroll wheel action (both horizontal and vertical scrolling if possible) is a feature that users want in a mouse regardless of shape or form.
-tactile response seems to be key for enjoyability of use.
Sources
T. (2020, September 17). Best Trackball Mouse for Gaming and Editing – 2020 Budget & PC & MAC. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJC9dpdsxSo
M. (2016, September 11). Kensington Wireless Trackball Review. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9QxYYGPhjA
Functionality: Uses regular mouse functionality with track pad integration, Turns Power on when folded up and turns power off when flat.
Pros: Simple, Small, Wireless Cons: Non ergonomic, too small for comfort, clicking issues(would left lick instead of right is two fingers are on the mouse),
Functionality: Uses uses triggers to act as left and right button clicks, has completely vertical position.
Pros: ergonomic design, Cons: not intuitive hand hand movements, very bulky, wired,
pen: Lychee Pen mouse
George CGeorge is an ergonomist and chief editor of Ergonomic Trends. He brings with him over 15 years advising companies on best office practices, & Says, B. (2019, November 21). Is a Pen Mouse Worth Your Time? (A Look at the Two Best Ones). Retrieved September 29, 2020, from http://ergonomictrends.com/best-pen-mouse-review-and-ergonomics/
CAD $20.99
Functionality: Uses uses triggers to act as left and right button clicks, has pencil/pen-like form factor
Pros: ergonomic design, Cons: not intuitive button placement, , click buttons on the side are difficult to do while keeping pen in place, does not have stylus-like functionality
Insight [Most of the mice on the market use the same technology, but the components in different locations, or house all the components in a different looking housing]
Resources
Sigalas, T. (2019, August 21). Do you need a Trackball mouse? Why do PROS use them! Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVX91onQH0w
Wong, H. (2019, April 9). Surface Arc Mouse Revisited: Design Over Everything. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ4x-uctYWs
George CGeorge is an ergonomist and chief editor of Ergonomic Trends. He brings with him over 15 years advising companies on best office practices, & Says, B. (2019, November 21). Is a Pen Mouse Worth Your Time? (A Look at the Two Best Ones). Retrieved September 29, 2020, from http://ergonomictrends.com/best-pen-mouse-review-and-ergonomics/
On a regular Computer mouse, there is a Left click button, a Right click button, a scroll wheel, a motion detection sensor, and some sort of connection element.
The connective element is usually either a hard wire that connects directly to the computer or device, or a wireless transmitter and receiver that communicated to the computer or device without the need for a cable. The driver is usually installed upon first connection to a new device and is the thing that maps the buttons to executable command on the device; some mice allow you to change what each button does.
Functionality: The left click button usually selects, drags
The Right click button normally allows for secondary options
The Scroll wheel usually allows for vertical navigation and sometimes allows for secondary function by pressing down
The motion sensor detects the movement of the mouse and translates it to the cursor.
Resources
Murmson, S. (2019). Parts & Functions of a Computer Mouse. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://www.techwalla.com/articles/parts-functions-of-a-computer-mouse
Modeling software can be used in either the design context (CAD: creating a model that will be used to make an object in real life) or in the CGI context (for use in VFX). The industry standard programs for CGI for VFX are: MAYA and Houdini. The industry standards for CAD for design are: SolidWorks and AutoCAD. But whether it is CGI or CAD design, modelers need to create entire models with intricate parts and elements usually from scratch. this process can take hours or days to complete.
the modeling process includes:
inputting specific numbers for dimensioning, dragging objects, navigating the scene in 3D space, moving and rotating around object in 3D space, creating multiple objects and joining them together to form bigger objects, adjusting precise parts of the model, using calculated functions and equations (so that the dimensions of one object is controlled by another), creating patterns to use across the model, using creativity to achieve certain shapes with the tools provided by the software, texturing/decals, shading, and rendering.
CAD softwares often use a combination of keyboard buttons, and mouse movements to initiate commands within the software (ex panning usually is done by holding Command/CTRL whole moving the mouse). Both the keyboard and mouse are important for modeling however, the mouse is used to perform more tasks and therefore is used more often.
Resources
TFI. (2015, October 9). Learn Autodesk Inventor in under an hour, 3D CAD modelling full tutorial IMPORTANT – SEE DESCRIPTION. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCnVZrzz1VI
Aggarwal, A. (2020, March 13). These VFX software are used frequently to create out-of-the-world visual effects – MAAC India Academy Animation & VFX Industry Blog – MAAC India Institute. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://www.maacindia.com/blog/these-vfx-software-are-used-frequently-to-create-out-of-the-world-visual-effects
Indeed. (n.d.). CAD jobs. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=CAD
“VFX Compositing seamlessly integrates digital assets with live-action footage to bring together the final shot of a film or game. Compositing is the final step of the VFX pipeline. A skilled Compositor layers together various elements in a way that makes them appear to naturally belong in the same space. To give you an example: a production company shoots a background (referred to as a plate) that contains a building up close and a cityscape behind. The Animator has animated a missile, and the Effects Artist has added smoke effects and an explosion with building destruction. Once this is all rendered out, the Compositor layers the missile, smoke, explosion and building destruction into the shot, using things like color correction and z-depth to bring it all together. Z-depth is basically a black and white representation of the depth of an object in a scene, and is very important in compositing 3D elements.”
Resources
Fitzgerald, R. (2019). What is Compositing?: The Job of a VFX Compositor: CG Spectrum. Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://www.cgspectrum.com/blog/what-is-compositing
VFX or Visual Effects are sometimes confused SFX or special effects. SFX are mainly practical (done in real life and actually recorded on camera), while VFX are done digitally. Video effects Artists mainly spend their time in their VFX software. There are many fields within VFX such as :
Illustration
Chroma Keying (using green screens)
Stop Motion Animation
2D & 3D Motion Capture Animation
2D & 3D Animation
Compositing
Modeling/Sculpting
Rigging
Character Animation
Environment/Physical Effects (explosions, fog, smoke, set extensions, destruction)
Rotoscoping (tracing over motion picture footage)
Tracking
Camera Matching
-(Lesley University)
Many of these categories bleed into CAD designing seeing that nowadays, VFX is including more and more CGI (computer generated Imagery) which is mainly created using CAD softwares. The ones that don’t however, are very similar to the video editing process. Before they can begin working on the shot, the VFX team must organize clips and label them in an organized manner . One of the main differences between VFX and Video Editing is that while Video editing mainly deals with a large amount of shots and sequences, the visual effects artist will work on a select few shots (most of the time only one) and will spend an immensely long time on just those shots; which then will be delivered to the video editor who will then thread those shots together in a coherent manner.
the process of VFX includes :
Assessing footage, scrubbing through timeline (window that shows sequence of clips), dragging clips, inserting effects, creating new elements to add to the shot, creative problem solving, shot tracking (tracking a clip to attach a digitally created element to a moving object), compositing, detailed and precise mouse positioning to move objects, elements, and frame point to a precise location, color correction, and frequently playing and re-playing segments of clips.
The VFX process uses a heavy combination of the mouse and the keyboard. The mouse is used mainly to drag, navigate, scroll, and make adjustments. Technically speaking, although it would take more time, aside from naming clips the entirety of the VFX process could be done with only a mouse. The biggest use of the keyboard is the use of shortcut commands for efficiency, and the input of numbers to attain exact values for certain effects.
References
Lesley University. (2020). Visual Effects (VFX) at the College of Art and Design. Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://lesley.edu/visual-effects
FilmRiot. (2020, September 10). Teleport like The Umbrella Academy (VFX Tutorial). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iDnTaf-d90
Renée, V. (2014, December 03). SFX vs. VFX: Two Effects Artists Discuss the Differences Between Practical & CGI. Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://nofilmschool.com/2014/12/sfx-vfx-two-effects-artists-discuss-differences-between-practical-cgi
Video Editors have many different softwares to choose from, but it is said that since they all accomplish more or less the same thing , it doesn’t really matter which one you use, as long so you are skilled in the program of your choice. However some of the standard programs that are respected by high industry professionals are Final Cut pro, Adobe Premiere pro, and DaVinci. At the beginning of their editing process, they must first compile and sift through the footage they either shot, or received. This can take a substantial amount of time seeing that they can sometimes deal with hours of footage at a time. After they have sifted and sorted/labeled their footage in an organized fashion, they can now begin editing.
This process includes: dragging your mouse through the timeline (the window showing you the sequence of clips) to scrub through the sequence, making cuts to clips, adjusting the position/ rearranging of clips, adjusting speeds of clips , assessing footage, adding visual elements (text, effect elements, and other illustrations), placing and synchronizing music and sound effect files to the video, adjusting the overall sound of the video, frequently re-watching sections of edited sequences, and color correcting/color grading the sequence. This process can get very complex as editors work with more and more footage and elements. All these afore-mentioned steps are standard across all softwares and programs.
The editing process uses a heavy combination of the mouse and the keyboard. The mouse is used mainly to drag, navigate, scroll, and make adjustments. Technically speaking, although it would take more time, aside from naming clips the entirety of the editing process could be done with only a mouse. The biggest use of the keyboard is the use of shortcut commands for efficiency, and the input of numbers to attain exact values for certain effects.
Insight [I have noticed that editors need to frequently move their hand from the keyboard to the mouse and back again. The combined time of this extremely frequent motion must significantly decreasing efficiency.]
Sources
Walbeck, P. (2020, April 28). 8 Steps to Edit a Video in Premiere Pro (Start to Finish). Retrieved 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQDGJn89uNk
So what is the reason why creative industry individuals sit for so long a a desk and on one application?
This Post will Give and Overview of what each group in the Target Market does.
Video editors mainly spend their time in their editing software. at the beginning of their editing process, they must first compile and sift through the footage they either shot, or received. this takes a substantial amount of time seeing that they can sometimes deal with hours of footage at a time. after they have sifted and sorted/labeled their footage in an organized fashion, they can now begin the editing process which can take hours or days to complete.
for Video effects Artists, they mainly spend their time in their VFX software. There are many fields within VFX such as :
Illustration
Chroma Keying (using green screens)
Stop Motion Animation
2D & 3D Motion Capture Animation
2D & 3D Animation
Compositing
Modeling/Sculpting
Rigging
Character Animation
Environment/Physical Effects (explosions, fog, smoke, set extensions, destruction)
Rotoscoping (tracing over motion picture footage)
Tracking
Camera Matching
Most if not all of these fields have commonalities in the VFX Process. Most of them work with individuals frames (and keyframes) and must animate the position of those frames to achieve a moving sequence. This process can take hours, days, and in the case of high profile movies, months to complete. They also must use their creativity to achieve the look that they desire for that particular sequence (some shots require a different aesthetic and thus require a different method or approach to the shot).
CAD Professionals spend most of their time in their modeling software. once they have a design that needs to be either produced (in the case of Design modeling) or passed on to the VFX artist (in the case of VFX&Editing), they can begin their modeling process. whether it is CGI or CAD design, modelers need to create entire models with intricate parts and elements usually from scratch. this process can take hours or days to complete.
Insight [A lot of tasks of VFX Artists either are, or directly tie into the tasks of a CAD modeler]
Sources
Walbeck, P. (2020, April 28). 8 Steps to Edit a Video in Premiere Pro (Start to Finish). Retrieved 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQDGJn89uNk
MayoClinicStaff. (2020, February 01). Carpal tunnel syndrome. Retrieved September 24, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603
Lesley University. (2020). Visual Effects (VFX) at the College of Art and Design. Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://lesley.edu/visual-effects
Having a comfortable chair, height-adjustable screens, and wrist supports are good ways of tackling neck pain
“Some people even work from bed — ‘a terrible place to work,’ he says. ‘Even if you prop yourself up with pillows, sitting puts you at a 45-degree angle with your neck craned forward looking down at a screen.
‘This puts a significant amount of strain through your neck — your head weighs about 8kg and the muscles which support it are designed for rotational movements — not load carrying.’ So what is the best solution? ‘Reduce the amount of time you spend leaning forwards over a laptop to a maximum of 15 minutes,’ says Tim.”
[insight Design a mouse that insights/works in tandem with correct back and neck position]
“‘Your spine naturally wants to be in an extended position with your shoulders back and your bottom slightly sticking out, but a chair with no lumbar support can allow your spine to move into a “c-shape”, which puts strain through the supporting muscles,’ says Tim”
References
Atkinson, L. (2020, Jul 21). Has working from home given us all back ache? [scot region]. Daily Mail Retrieved from https://ezproxy.kpu.ca:2443/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.kpu.ca:2443/docview/2425527275?accountid=35875
muscles. tendons. ligaments. joints. blood vessels. nerves. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, or WMSDs, are injuries that occur to the soft tissues of the body – the muscles, tendons (attach muscle to bone), ligaments (attach bone to bone), joints, blood vessels and nerves. These injuries can include rotator cuff injuries and bursitis in the shoulder, epicondylitis (a form of tendinitis) in the elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, low back pain and bursitis of the knee. WMSDs tend to occur gradually, accumulating from months or even years of work, as opposed to sudden injuries such as a broken bone due to a fall or a neck injury from a motor vehicle accident.
