Motion Graphic for University Live Brief
Motion Graphic
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
This project involved creating a 2–3-minute motion-graphic explainer for the University of Plymouth in collaboration with Smart Sound Plymouth.
The Problem
The core challenge was to visually communicate complex marine sensor technology to a non-technical audience, including researchers, academics, and commercial stakeholders. The animation needed to be clear, accessible, and engaging—without oversimplifying the science. As part of a university brief, the solution also had to meet academic expectations and be technically accurate.
Project Scope
This was a commissioned university project created in collaboration with the University of Plymouth and Smart Sound Plymouth. I was responsible for the full design and production of the animation, including research, concept development, storyboarding, visual design, and motion. The brief called for a 2–3 min MP4 animation that could explain Smart Sound’s sensor technology clearly and quickly to a broad audience.
Users & Audience
The animation was aimed at a mixed audience of commercial marine organisations, academic researchers, and university stakeholders. Many viewers had limited technical knowledge of the underlying systems, so the content had to simplify and sequence the information without losing accuracy. Visual clarity, narrative flow, and pacing were essential to the message being understood across disciplines.
Design Process
Research & Concept
I began with independent desk research into Smart Sound’s sensor network and its applications. I developed early mood boards and concept sketches to guide the visual language, ensuring the tone stayed professional and reliable. Research helped define the right level of technical depth and informed the animation style.
Iterative Feedback
Throughout the project, I refined the narrative and visuals through multiple rounds of feedback from lecturers and peers. These cycles helped shape how the information was sequenced and presented, improving clarity and narrative pacing based on real-time reactions and input.
Storyboarding
I mapped out a detailed visual storyboard to establish key narrative beats, transitions, and scene flow. This gave structure to the animation process and ensured continuity between technical explanations and visual storytelling. Each transition was designed to maintain engagement while building understanding step-by-step.
Visual & Animation Production
All assets were custom-designed in Illustrator and animated in After Effects. I kept the motion minimal and purposeful, prioritising clarity over style. Timing, transitions, and pacing were fine-tuned to match the complexity of the information being delivered, making the final video both engaging and easy to follow.
Outcome & Impact
The final motion graphic was successfully submitted as a key deliverable for the university project. It received positive feedback from both peers and lecturers for its clarity, pacing, and professional execution. The animation was recognised for effectively simplifying a complex topic and presenting it in a format that could support educational and commercial outreach alike.
Reflection
This project reinforced how important structure, research, and pacing are when designing for complex topics. It also highlighted the value of early feedback, especially when working with unfamiliar subject matter. If I were to revisit this project, I’d introduce structured user testing with the target audience to measure comprehension more directly, and explore ways to visualise abstract data in a more interactive format.
