Motion Graphics Training

Gone are the days when animation and motion graphics were only the stuff of film-making and video production. As the technology of computers and creative programs have advanced, so too has the application of Motion Design (formerly called motion graphics) widened into various areas of industry.

This article is for designers looking to start off a career in motion design or pick a niche to focus on. Business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking for new ways to market or improve their products and services with Motion Design can also benefit from this article.

Some of the current applications of Motion Design include the following:

1.Branding and Identity Design — Many businesses have visual identities with which they craft their brand identity in the market but few have tapped into the potentials of Motion Design which could indeed help them stand out from their competitors. Applying motion design to the typography, logo, colour scheme and some other visual elements of their brand would present their businesses as innovative, increase engagement and help them convey their messages through an entertaining and captivating medium.

2. UI Design — UI (User Interface) Design is a stage of digital product design that entails the creation of visual elements for the product being built. These visual elements make up the physical point of interaction between a user and the app. At this stage of digital product design, Motion design can be used to make micro interactions dynamic. Check out this article by UXPlanet on the 12 principles of animation in UI Design.

3. Advertising — The human brain is hardwired to detect motion and that is why movement attracts attention. It is this attribute that makes using digital signages and billboards more effective for advertising than static advertising boards. This article by Intel gives a more detailed breakdown of why digital signages draws 400% more attention than traditional boards.

4. AR/VR — To create the assets and elements that make up the experiences in AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtually Reality), Motion Design can be applied in the design of the interfaces and interactions between users and the applications. This application of Motion Design would improve the immersive experience gained by users of AR/VR products by simulating life-like motions or surreal effects based upon the application. Programs like ZapWorks and SparkAR are examples of softwares that designers can use to create and integrate motion design elements into AR experiences and products.

5. Video editing — Motion Design can be applied to videos during editing and post-processing to provide context and present information to the viewers using motion design elements such as intros, lower thirds, outros etc.

6. Illustration — Illustrations tell stories about what happens in a static scene but we can push them even further by adding movements to elements of the scene like falling snow, flames or even a passing car to give more meaning and hold the gaze of viewers longer. These illustrations can be used on social media, advertising, mobile apps and websites to draw attention and provide information.

7. Product Visualisation — In industrial design, 3d models of products are created and presented to stakeholders, investors and others involved in the production pipeline before a physical prototype is produced. This is to provide a visual idea of the product, and at this stage, motion design can be applied to the 3d model to create context and provide more information on the product being presented and its features.

8. Game design — Motion design is a common element in game design as it is used to bring life to various parts of video games such as UI interactions, special effects and gameplay elements. It is used in combination with UI/UX Design to create an immersive and entertaining experience for gamers.