Motion design: uses, solutions and prospects

How can we put together beautiful appearance, informativeness, and animation? That’s right, with the help of motion design! It is the enhancement of still images with some movement or motion. 

Contrary to static images in graphic design, motion makes the design capture attention and deliver specific content. This form makes the digital content more interesting and responsive (with the help of motion design software, of course). It’s impossible to avoid it in social networks, applications, or inscriptions. It is now a must-have for brands wishing to engage with and relate to their target markets.

Where can you apply it?

An inordinate number of applications of the strategy can be found in different areas. 

• Motion graphics is one of several methods in digital marketing that conveys advertisements utilizing social networks and websites. 

• Motion graphics can also be used in the design of applications and websites. In brief, the application of basic animation graphics depicting a loading page or turning page animation graphics increases the fun and ease of use.

• Heavy use of motion graphics is observed in the entertainment industry. The title sequences, animated logos and visual effects with the help of film and television assist the whole process of storytelling. As with news or media practices, companies use this design type to present information, tell stories, and create and maintain visual interest. 

• The strategy finds its application in education as well as in e-learning. Animated diagrams and other visual materials remove the barrier of notions and make it easier for students to understand the topic in a more active manner.

• On social media, motion graphics are great at capturing attention within a very limited timeframe. They help brands communicate their thoughts, launch products, or communicate simple narratives. Given the communicative nature of social media, animated clips of a few seconds duration appear to be extremely operative as they convey their message in a matter of a few seconds.

Strategies and tools

The strategy is dependent on a plethora of solutions and strategies. 

Adobe After Effects is one of the most often used applications that enables designers to animate logos as well as apply transitions and create motion effects. 

Adobe Premiere Pro, when used to edit videos, is also a well-known option that integrates well with After Effects to produce great clips.

Blender, which is free, is ideal for 3D animation testing.

Cinema 4D is typically used for professional 3D animation production, such as for logos and characters.

Now, let’s move on to strategies. Keyframe animation is one of the basic techniques in digital motion design. Moving a keyframe from one point to another in space involves defining a beginning and an ending that is necessary for any moving object. This makes it possible to add movement motion in even the most linear animation sequences.

Yet another popular technique, typography animation, involves animating letters and words that have motion applied to them or color changes or fade effects applied to them. Designers implement these approaches to promote ideas in certain percentages and audiences.

Course: After Effects CC Masters: VFX, Motion Graphics, Animation+ 

Things have become even more advanced with the employment of motion graphics, which involve the use of three-dimensional models assisted by visual effects for the realistic presentation of product demonstrations and other complicated visual effects.

What does the future hold?

Overall, motion design trends will definitely change. The technology seems to have a promising and bright future, as there are virtually no limits in the field of digital media. 

• First, it’s gaining more and more traction within the scope of applications and websites. In the context of change, it goes without saying that more applications and websites will feature motion graphics in their constructions. Engagement with brief, entertaining clips is still at the top of the social media channel, and motion graphics perfectly fit this purpose as they enable effective user-oriented branding.
• Another realm worth looking at is 3D design and augmented reality (AR) as well the scope that comes with their use. As AR and VR technology continues to develop, motion graphics will become an essential component in the construction of a virtual environment. For instance, in VR, a motion designer could aid in making virtual props more believable. 
• In addition, it is likely that AI-based systems will influence processes in the future as well. AI enables designers to automate the animation process and, therefore, reduces the busy work, allowing designers to devote more time to creative thinking.

Technological advances will be comradely accompanied by mass customization of motion graphics design. Accelerating customization relates to the fact that clients are looking for more dynamic ways to connect with their audiences, and brands are now changing habits. Starting from personalized advertisements and ending with interactive content experiences, motion pictures will increasingly enable businesses to engage their target markets more effectively.

Wrapping up

Hopefully, now you have the full answer to the question like “What is motion design?” Overall, this design type offers an additional layer to storytelling in visuals as it helps to bring life to still images. For example, there is motion design in advertising, social media posts, applications, etc. It makes digital experiences more interesting for the audience and keeps them focused. 

More and more complex motion design tools appear every day, and together with them – new opportunities. An increased number of opportunities for brands to reach their audience will also come along with it.