Introduction

An animation rigger is responsible for:
1. Animation requirements of the character/prop
2. Interaction and manipulation of the controls
3. Technical requirements of the character/prop

Controls - things to consider:
1. Simple and easy to use
2. Obvious to see what they can do
3. Have the correct rotation orders
4. Named correctly
5. Easily transferable - in case the model is updated
6. Only keyable for those you want the animator to use
7. Should be the only things the animators can select and key
8. You should be able to move the rig away from its origin and have it still work

Finally, it's important to consider exactly what you want the rig to do before you start rigging it. It's also extremely helpful to try out 'experimental' rigging to work out the pros and cons of a particular rigging method before you build the final rig.

So onwards to my rigging discoveries...