Information Design/ Project 02

28.02.2024 - 08.03.2024 (Week 04 - Week 05)
LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / INFORMATION DESIGN
Project 02: Animated Infographic

JUMPLINK
Instructions
Project 02: Animated Infographic
Feedback
Reflections


INSTRUCTIONS


Project 02: Animated Infographic
For this project, our task is to utilize the assets from Project 01 to create a 60-second motion infographic video. The video dimensions will be 720p, 1280x720 pixels. The final video must be uploaded to YouTube and set as an unlisted video.

Progress
I attempted to import the assets I created in Adobe Illustrator into Adobe After Effects, but encountered blurriness and color inaccuracies. Consequently, I continued working on this project after the Week 05 lecture class. During this class, Mr. Fauzi instructed us on the correct method for importing Adobe Illustrator files into After Effects. Additionally, he provided guidance on using After Effects to create simple motion graphics and highlighted its features.

Figure 1.1 Guidance. 

After grasping the import process, I began arranging the layout design for each frame. The video will be compiled by combining frames, each featuring animated assets and content.
Initially, I contemplated using the same design and style as Project 01, which utilized a vintage crumpled paper texture as the background. However, after completing four frames, I realized this approach might limit animation possibilities and could potentially become monotonous.

Figure 1.2 Progress screenshot.

Consequently, I sought visual references on YouTube for inspiration.


Figure 1.3, 1.4 Visual references.

After gaining ideas for more interesting animated infographics, I redid the frames. I started by researching a color palette suitable for the assets and colors that are easier for viewers to read.

Figure 1.5 Color palette.

Then, I used the chosen color palette to create the frames, ensuring that each asset was placed on a separate layer as Adobe After Effects animates assets based on layers. 

Figure 1.6 Progress screenshot.

Before the tutorial and practical class in Week 05, I began animating a few frames to show Mr. Shamsul the overall design and motion of my video. During the class, I presented the animated frames to Mr. Shamsul, who provided valuable feedback. He suggested that each frame should pause for 1-2 seconds before transitioning to the next frame, allowing viewers to read the information and content. He also commended the overall design and style, mentioning that no further refinement was necessary, and appreciated the clean and simple drawings.

Figure 1.7 Progress screenshot.

Based on the feedback I received, I continued arranging the layout for each frame. Some assets in a frame was overlaid, as I planned to adjust their opacity during animation.

Figure 1.8 Progress screenshot.

I created each frame in the same Adobe Illustrator file. However, after completing all frames, I saved each artboard as a separate file. This organization helped me speed up my progress when creating similar layout designs with different assets.


Figure 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12 Visual references.

After creating the frames, I imported them into Adobe After Effects and began animating them one by one. Animating all frames took considerable time due to the many steps involved in making tagliatelle al ragu. I experimented with various types of animation and motion to make the video more engaging. While using different transformations, I ensured that each frame maintained clarity. The transformations I utilized included mask, anchor point, position, scale, rotation, and opacity.


Figure 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16 Visual references.

To animate the motion of the minutes hand, I found a technique on YouTube. Originally, the rotation affected the entire object, whereas the minutes hand should rotate around a single point. I learned to use the anchor point to fix the rotation center, allowing the minutes hand to rotate correctly.


Figure 1.17, 1.18 Visual references.

After completing the animation, I searched for background music suitable for the video's theme. I browsed YouTube for copyright-free background music and selected a track with a happy and relaxed tone.


Figure 1.19, 1.20 Background music.

 I downloaded the track as an MP3 and imported it into After Effects, where I arranged it on the timeline.


Figure 1.21, 1.22 Progress screenshot.

For the sound effects accompanying each action in the video, I opted to use Adobe Premiere Pro for its superior organization in video editing and its ability to add audio transitions. I exported the completed motion graphic as an H.264 file.


Figure 1.23 Final motion graphic.

Next, in Adobe Premiere Pro, I imported the video and began searching for suitable sound effects on Freesound. I arranged the sound effects on the timeline and adjusted their volumes accordingly. To ensure clarity, I lowered the volume of the background music.


Figure 2.1, 2.2 Progress screenshot.

Finally, I added audio transitions to each sound effect. After experimenting with two types of audio transitions, I settled on exponential fade for its natural effect compared to constant power. I adjusted the duration of each audio transition based on the length of the corresponding sound effects.


Figure 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 Progress screenshot.

Finally, I exported the completed video and published it on YouTube.

Final Project 02: Animated Infographic
YouTube


Figure 3.1 Final animated infographic.


FEEDBACK
Week 05
Mr Shamsul suggested that each frame should pause for 1-2 seconds before transitioning to the next frame, allowing viewers to read the information and content. Mr. Shamsul also observed that 60 seconds might be too short for the motion graphic. This could lead to viewers not having enough time to fully absorb each frame before it transitions to the next one. Therefore, he mentioned that it would be acceptable to extend the video to 1 minute and 30 seconds to address this issue. He also commended the overall design and style, mentioning that no further refinement was necessary, and appreciated the clean and simple drawings.


REFLECTIONS
Throughout this project, I've acquired new skills in creating motion graphic videos. Using Adobe After Effects to animate the assets was a new experience for me. In previous projects from other modules, my approach involved drawing each frame in Adobe Illustrator and then converting it into Adobe Photoshop. However, this method often resulted in less smooth and laggy motion. I hadn't utilized After Effects for animation previously because whenever I imported my files into it, the assets appeared blurry and the colors were incorrect. Therefore, I was immensely grateful to learn how to use After Effects for animation, as it proved to be more user-friendly and had a more satisfying outcome compared to Photoshop.
Additionally, I realized that creating a motion graphic animation requires a delicate balance between aesthetics and readability for the viewer. Timing each motion appropriately is crucial, as it can affect the overall consistency and clarity of the video. Moving forward, I will keep practicing my skills in After Effects animation, as I recognize that I am still unfamiliar with its full capabilities. Practice will be essential for me to become proficient in using After Effects to create animations.

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