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Drawing Task

Version: v1 (current)

A free-form drawing task for assessing visuospatial ability, motor control, and creative expression.

Overview​

The Drawing task allows participants to create drawings using a digital canvas (mouse, touchscreen, or stylus). It can be used for free drawing, tracing, or copying reference images. Drawing tasks are used in neuropsychological assessment (e.g., clock drawing test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure), developmental research, and studies of motor control and spatial cognition.

Digital drawing provides rich data including stroke trajectories, timing, pressure (if available), and spatial organization. The task can range from simple shapes to complex figures depending on assessment goals.

Why Researchers Use This Task​

  1. Clock Drawing Test: Assess visuospatial function and executive function
  2. Copy Tasks: Measure visuomotor reproduction accuracy
  3. Free Drawing: Creative expression and developmental assessment
  4. Trail Making: Connect numbered or lettered nodes in order
  5. Neuropsychological Screening: Sensitive to cognitive decline and spatial deficits

Where to Configure​

Study Form → Tasks → Drawing → Configure.

Configuration Parameters​

ParameterTypeDefaultDescription
Canvas Width (px)number600Width of drawing area
Canvas Height (px)number600Height of drawing area
Show ReferencebooleanfalseDisplay reference image to copy
Reference Image URLstring''URL of reference image if applicable
Time Limit (ms)number0Time limit for drawing (0 = unlimited)

Participant Flow​

  1. The participant sees a blank canvas (or a canvas with a reference image if Show Reference is enabled).
  2. The participant draws using mouse, touchscreen, or stylus input.
  3. If a time limit is set, a countdown is displayed and the task ends automatically when time runs out.
  4. The participant clicks the button to submit their drawing and advance.

Data Output​

Markers and Responses​

The task records high-resolution timestamps in two separate collections:

Markers (stimulus_shown):

{
  "type": "stimulus_shown",
  "ts": "2024-01-01T00:00:01.000Z",
  "hr": 1234.56,
  "data": {
    "reference_url": "https://example.com/reference.png"
  }
}

Response Data:

{
  "type": "image/png",
  "size": 52310
}

Drawing Artifact​

The participant's drawing is saved as a PNG image file (drawing_<index>.png). This image can be scored manually or analyzed for stroke data.

Design Recommendations​

  • Canvas Size: Match canvas dimensions to the complexity of the expected drawing. Simple shapes need less space; complex figures benefit from larger canvases.
  • Reference Images: For copy tasks, place the reference image beside or above the canvas so participants can see both simultaneously.
  • Time Limits: Use time limits for standardized assessments (e.g., 2 minutes for clock drawing). Leave unlimited for free drawing tasks.
  • Instructions: Provide clear instructions about what to draw and whether the drawing should be as accurate as possible or free-form.
  • Input Devices: Test with the same input device participants will use; mouse drawing differs substantially from stylus or touchscreen drawing.

Common Issues and Solutions​

IssueSolution
Drawing looks jaggedEnsure participants use slow, deliberate strokes; consider using a stylus for finer control
Reference image not visibleVerify the Reference Image URL is correct and accessible
Participants unsure what to drawProvide clear instructions before the task; include a practice trial
Time runs out too quicklyIncrease the Time Limit; test the drawing task yourself to calibrate timing

References​

  • Freedman, M., Leach, L., Kaplan, E., Winocur, G., Shulman, K. I., & Delis, D. C. (1994). Clock Drawing: A Neuropsychological Analysis. Oxford University Press.
  • Osterrieth, P. A. (1944). Le test de copie d'une figure complexe. Archives de Psychologie, 30, 206-356.

See Also​