A method for a computer system includes determining an animation variable response subspace within an animation variable response space associated with an animation variable, in response to a set of training data for the animation variable, determining a set of characteristic calculation key points configured to allow navigation within the animation variable response subspace, calculating animation variable response values for the set of characteristic calculation key points in the animation variable response subspace in response to input data for the animation variable, and predicting animation variable response values for a set of points within the animation variable response space in response to animation variable response values for the set of characteristic calculation key points in the animation variable response subspace.