Avatars are used to represent users

• Have a geometrical representation
• Can often perform gestures
• Are not necessarily humanoid

Avatars should be carefully designed

• Virtual worlds can potentially have many simultaneous users so avatars should not slow the system down more than reasonably
• Geometry should be optimal (not more polygons than necessary)
• Avatar code should not contain errors
• Avatar files should not be too large
• Textures should not be overused
• Animation and scripting should not be excessive
• Avatars should be an appropriate size (height and width)

A typical humanoid avatar:

The billboard with the user's name is supplied by the multi-user system and is not part of the avatar model.