Individual differences in expressive response: a challenge for ECA design

To create realistic and expressive virtual humans, we need to develop better models of the processes and dynamics of human emotions and expressions. A first step in this effort is to develop means to systematically induce and capture realistic expressions in real humans. We conducted a series of studies on human emotions and facial expression using the Emotion Evoking Game (EVG) and a high-speed video camera. In this paper, we discuss a detailed analysis of facial expressions in response to a surprise situation. We provide details on the rich dynamics of facial expressions, along with data useful for animation of virtual human. The analysis of the data also revealed considerable individual differences in whether surprise was evoked and how it was expressed.