002. Animation Brain Waves
More than ever, we’re bombarded by images full of information – and in that constant bustle, capturing attention is a bit like catching a rare butterfly in a busy garden: the likelihood is we’ll miss it… If only there were a way to distill complex ideas into something clear and memorable! Well that’s where animation comes into its own. We know you know this, but it’s always best to back yourself up with facts, so read on dear reader.
Untitled by Beakus
The Science of Simplified Imagery
Research in multimedia learning suggests that less can indeed be more when it comes to visuals. Mayer and Moreno found that our brains tend to perform better when information is presented in a simplified, focused format. In his book Multimedia Learning (2009), Mayer explains that stylized visuals help viewers zero in on the core message by cutting out the extra clutter that real-world images bring. In other words, when we use animation to highlight key details, our minds can process ideas more efficiently than when we’re watching live-action footage loaded with extraneous information.
Think of it as your brain’s version of decluttering a messy room – when unnecessary details are swept away, the important stuff stands out.
Slava Kalyuga’s Expertise Reversal Effect (2007) supports this view, suggesting that dynamic yet simplified imagery activates multiple brain areas in a more organized way. The result is a visual conversation where every frame plays its part in holding the viewer’s hand as they move from one idea to the next.
This isn’t just academic theory. We’ve seen this happen time and time again, over many years, in our own work making animation for NGOs.
Influence Film Club by Beakus
A Visual Chat
Imagine your message as a conversation. Live-action can sometimes add too much background chatter – details that might have unwanted associations that distract from the main point. Animation, with its ability to simplify and stylize, allows you to focus on what truly matters. Every frame is like a carefully chosen word, every transition a small pause that lets the next idea land perfectly. It’s like turning a complex recipe into a series of easy, bite-sized steps that anyone can follow.
Why It Matters
When telling a good story, having a visual narrative that guides viewers smoothly through your messaging is invaluable. Animation is much more than making things move; it’s about harnessing the way our brains naturally process information and giving it what it wants: your message isn’t just seen – it’s understood and remembered.
If you’re curious about how turning your ideas into an engaging animated story might work for you, why not start a conversation? Our experience making animation for NGOs tells us that thoughtful animation can make even the most intricate message accessible. Let’s explore together how we can craft a visual narrative that connects, informs, and delights – one carefully animated frame at a time.
Google TrueView by Beakus