Abstract Design of and research on animation interfaces rarely uses methods and theory of human–computer-interaction (HCI). Graphical motion design interfaces are based on dated interaction paradigms, and novel procedures for capturing, processing and mapping motion are preoccupied with aspects of modeling and computation. Yet research in HCI has come far in understanding human cognition and motor skills and how to apply this understanding to interaction design. We propose an HCI perspective on computer animation that relates the state-of-the-art in motion design interfaces to the concepts and terminology of this field. The main contribution is a design space of animation interfaces. This conceptual framework aids relating strengths and weaknesses of established animation methods and techniques. We demonstrate how this interaction-centric approach can be put into practice in the development of a multi-touch animation system.