Comments on: Animation thoughts

By: Clark

Clark — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:20:21 +0000

In reply to Brian Helweg-Larsen. Brian, thanks for the thoughts. In general, I agree about there being a case for animating in most dynamic situations (presentations, learning experiences), unless it's very simple. For static, of course, e.g. in a document, they can peruse it at their leisure, so if there's a good writeup, that's probably enough. Yes, it's the complex motion paths that I've avoided, but then I seldom have really wanted it. Next time I find one, however, I'm gonna try!

By: Brian Helweg-Larsen

Brian Helweg-Larsen — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 15:15:13 +0000

Great thoughts, Clark.
I often use animations in teaching. A complex diagram that is built up slowly, with animation and a voice-over, can be far easier to understand. I suppose for me the rule of thumb is that if there are more than 3 items in a diagram, I animate. I was wondering what situations you have come across that would not benefit from animation?
Once you are familiar with the tools, it is really fast to put together and test, unless you are dealing with very complicated diagrams or complex motion paths So the time and effort will almost always seem worth it to me, as they produce better learning, shorter discussions, and don’t take (me) much time..

By: David Glow

David Glow — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 21:00:31 +0000

Great distinctions, Clark.

Just today, I took a model that we have and used animation to build it up so it was easier to comprehend (eat the elephant one bite at a time). I was really wondering if it was overkill, but this gives me restored confidence that I am more likely aligning to the needs to the end user. Thanks for sharing!

By: Matthias Melcher

Matthias Melcher — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 20:57:23 +0000

Thanks for addressing this. Building diagrams with the PowerPoint animation called “Wipe”, e.g. for an arrow shape, is extremely simple and effective.