During this pandemic, one of the most powerful tools in explaining the importance of social distancing to the public has been the ‘flatten the curve’ image. It’s not an actual graph with axes and values, but a way of using the familiar, visual language of a graph to convey a complex concept. The animated gif version, posted by Dr Siouxie Wells, is particularly effective and even appears on the Wikipedia page for social distancing. That’s right, even in uncertain times, we still appreciate a good gif.
At Definition, we have long been advocates for the power and value that animation can deliver when it comes to succinct messaging and a ‘sky’s the limit’ approach to visuals. Now, as we isolate ourselves, practice social distancing and cannot meet face-to-face, the role of digital communications and video is more important than ever. Here are our top reasons that animation reigns as a powerful, convenient, and reliable communication method.
Working remotely
Thanks to the internet, a very small team practising social distancing – or indeed even one person – can work entirely remotely to create top-notch animations. At Definition, we’re all working from home indefinitely and for years the business has offered all employees the ability to work from home two days a week, so all of us have all the equipment we need to do our work at home. This means that any lockdown or isolation measures have a minimal effect on production, which can go ahead without a single in-person meeting. Google hangout anyone?
Fortunately, that means that we’re used to working with clients remotely. Requests come in over email, we make a phone call to establish a strategy, and we share our storyboards and final content out digitally. Normally, we welcome in-person meetings in our London office, but it certainly isn’t a requirement, and that means that there’s no change to our interactions with clients when we can’t work from the office.
Quick turnaround
Unlike regular video shoots, an animation doesn’t require booking actors and a set, carrying lighting and sound equipment, multiple takes, or any of the potentially time-consuming – and currently impossible – aspects of traditional video work. Animation can move from conception to storyboard to delivery at a rapid pace, which makes it ideal for organisations that need to react quickly.
The ability to create visually engaging content quickly is a real advantage in the present environment, or in any sort of crisis. If you need to create an informative animation to get the facts out about an event at very short notice, animation is the obvious choice.
A welcome distraction
As people in most industries are being advised to work from home, many have set aside some extra time to tackle email outreach and links that they have been sent. Whereas in the past office chatter may have distracted some, at home they’re more focused. We’re all fighting to keep boredom at bay, unable to see our colleagues and friends in person, and we are all more likely to click through to a thoughtful animation if it appears in our inboxes.
Animation, as with video in general, can also offer a friendly outreach in times where people might be feeling a little lonely. For everyone who is housebound and spends their days working on spreadsheets and looking through email – now without the benefit of colleagues in the office to lighten the mood – a colourful, energetic animation can be a welcome change of pace. It’s a visual ‘shock’ and therefore more likely to be received positively and remembered.
Professional video production services
Animation has always been a powerful tool for delivering content, and in the current situation, it is a convenient and safe method too. Working with an accomplished animation company, you can be sure that you’ll end up with a polished, professional product that reflects well on your business.
If we can help your business to reach out to your customers, staff, or stakeholders and if you want to use animation to deliver that message, we can help! Contact us today.
Written by: Sian Evans, Senior Producer