After weeks of reiteration and experimentation, I have completed my abstract animation design project (Ambrose & Harris, 2009). My project experienced various stages of development and repositioning to successfully fulfil the design outcomes and criteria of:
Technical achievement
- Started as a beginner then constructed multiple complex compositions, movements and layers
Implementation of motion design fundamentals (primary, secondary, temporal)(Krasner, 2013).
- Primary – the objects themselves moving in various ways
- Secondary – the horizontal camera pan illusion (moving entire composition)
- Temporal – moving objects and compositions in a timely manner
Design/aesthetic outcomes (Lupton & Phillips, 2008).
- Use of abstract colour palette, block shapes and phone game aesthetic
Upon critical reflection, I identified three design decisions or critical moments that drastically shaped the outcome of my animation. These being:
- To move away from having one static composition with moving objects within, to adding secondary motion (Krasner, 2013).
- To utilise secondary motion to transform the animation with no meaning into a game-like environment with moving ‘obstacles’ and a ‘player’ (the black dot that hovers and avoids the obstacles until the point of crashing and ending the game)
- To change the opening sequence from a busy patterned composition, utilising descriptive text to instead a simplistic ‘play button’ triangle within a colourful and patterned circle with no text. Instead of text, I implied what the text had stated for consistency and simplicity (Joost et al, 2016). Having said this, there is always room for improvement. In my case, I would say I could workI believe this furthered the aesthetic and enhanced the story-telling element of the animation.
Another choice to note was the decision to add music to the animation. I did this to add artistic flair and an arcade-like aesthetic and tone that mirrored the story and environment of the animation (Lupton, 2011). Although this is a small addition, I believe it considerably enhances the experience for the viewer.
These decisions are a product of me being critical enough to reflect, learn and adhere to feedback. This reiterative process and consideration of design allowed me to achieve what I believe to be a successful design outcome (Ambrose & Harris, 2009). This is a crucial aspect of design that I value and find rewarding.
Going forward with design, I aim to implement all I have learned in regard to technical development, design fundamentals implementation and motion theory, into my future design projects. I am eager to see how I can apply this newfound knowledge to influence my design choices. Perhaps my future branding systems and other design work will include animation collateral and promotional vices. This experience has been highly rewarding in this way, as it provided strong takeaways for the future. I now have an understanding of how to conduct animation and also a sense of what works and what to consider when doing so. This provides me with the basics to conduct an effective and well-constructed animation for future projects and potential clients. I understand the capabilities and possibilities motion design offers, however, there is still plenty of room and time to learn and develop my skill. I look forward to doing so!
Thank you for reading!
Reference List
Ambrose, G., Harris, P (2009) Design Thinking. AVA Publishing, Crans-pres-Celigny, CHE, UNITED KINGDOM.
Lupton, E (2011) Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming. Princeton Architectural Press, New York, UNITED STATES.
Joost, G., Bredies, K., Christensen, M., Conradi, F., Unteidig, A (2016) Design As Research: Positions, Arguments, Perspectives. Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Basel/Berlin/Boston, SWITZERLAND.
Krasner, J (2013) Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics. Taylor & Francis Group, Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM.
Capture By Kayla 