Motion Design and training: the art of transmitting differently

Discover how motion design is transforming e-learning and educational content. From cognitive theory to practical aspects, explore the keys to effective instructional motion design for your digital training courses.

At a time when the proportion of visual learners is significant, motion design is establishing itself as an essential teaching medium in e-learning and educational contexts.

But beyond these encouraging statistics and its aesthetic appeal, what really makes motion design such an effective training medium? Let’s explore the theoretical elements and concrete practices that make motion design an invaluable ally in the transmission of knowledge.

Educational motion design is much more than just graphic animation. It represents a sophisticated approach that harmoniously blends dynamic visual elements, audio narration and pedagogical interaction.

This synergy creates an immersive learning environment where every element is designed to optimize understanding and retention of information.

The strength of motion design lies in its ability to transform complex concepts into memorable visual experiences.

Whether explaining how a cell works or demonstrating a complex industrial process, motion design makes the abstract tangible and the complex accessible.

The effectiveness of motion design in learning is no accident. It is based on scientific foundations, notably the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML). This theory reveals how our brains optimally process multimedia information.

This efficiency is based on the principle of double coding. Our brain simultaneously processes information via two distinct channels: one dedicated to verbal and auditory elements, the other to visual elements.

Motion design perfectly exploits this duality by presenting synchronized information on both channels, maximizing assimilation.

Managing cognitive load also plays a crucial role. Well-conceived motion design intelligently balances the amount of information presented, avoiding cognitive overload while maintaining an optimal level of engagement. This approach is based on research in cognitive neuropsychology, which demonstrates the importance of structuring information to facilitate memory processing.

Effective instructional motion design requires special attention to cognitive load management. Cognitive science research shows that our working memory has a limited capacity, processing an average of 4 to 5 items simultaneously.

To respect these cognitive limits when designing a motion design animation, several principles must be applied:

1. Segmentation: dividing content into segments of 2-3 minutes maximum
2. Pace: Match presentation speed to content complexity
3. Prioritization: highlighting essential information
4. Breaks: Insert moments of reflection to consolidate learning

A study has shown that motion designs respecting these principles improve information retention by 83% compared with traditional videos.¹.

The benefits of motion design in e-learning and educational contexts are multiple and measurable. Studies show a significant improvement in information retention when information is presented via well-crafted motion design. This effectiveness is due to motion design’s ability to create strong emotional and cognitive connections with the content presented.

This strengthens learner commitment. The dynamic, narrative nature of motion design naturally captures attention and creates an environment conducive to active learning. This is particularly important in online training, where maintaining attention can be a major challenge.

Creating effective educational motion design is as much a question of creativity, technique and pedagogy. The various stages consist in rigorously managing the project, which includes writing the script, choosing a graphic style and developing a solid storyboard.

Then it’s time to create the animation. The pace and technical skills of the motion designer play a fundamental role. Because of the production time required and the nature of the format, the most common lengths are between 2 and 6 minutes for a motion design.

This time constraint forces us to focus on the essentials to maintain the learner’s attention: think about this when writing the script! The narration must be fluid, the tone conversational and create a natural bond with the learner.

During storyboarding, the visual aspect must serve the educational purpose. Every animation, every transition must make sense and contribute to the understanding of the subject. Superfluous elements, however aesthetically pleasing, run the risk of distracting from the main message.

Visual overload

• Too many elements animated simultaneously
• Free events with no educational value
• Distracting visual effects or inappropriate soundtracks

The wrong rhythm

• Information scrolling too quickly
• Lack of breaks for assimilation
• Poor audio/visual synchronization

Non-user-centered design

• Forgetting the learner’s prerequisites
• Lack of context
• Inappropriate vocabulary

Technical problems

• Insufficient audio quality
• No subtitles or transcriptions

The cost of producing an educational motion design varies significantly depending on several factors:

• Duration: 1500-3000€/minute for professional quality. This wide range is explained by the number of visuals that may need to be developed and animated, the variable costs of audio (voice-over, soundtrack, jingle, sound effects), and the time required to write scripts, which can be done in-house or by a service provider.
• Graphic style: from €500 (simple style) to more significant prices as you move towards complex 3D.

However, the benefits justify the investment, depending on the purpose and use of motion design:

• Reducing training time
• Increased information retention
• Lower updating costs (compared with filmed videos)
• Reusability and multilingual adaptability
• Integration into a broader training program with other media and training activities.

Integrating motion design as an educational medium requires careful thought. It’s not just a question of adding attractive animations, but of using this format skilfully within a learning path.

Contextualization is essential: motion design must fit in naturally, taking into account the learners’ prior knowledge and the educational objectives being pursued. In the case of a complete training program, complementary activities, whether preparatory or applied, also reinforce the effectiveness of motion design.

Motion design will find its place in your training courses to explain complex concepts, to improve the alternation of media within the various contents, and to create a highlight in the training course.

At Pimenko, we’ve built up a wealth of experience in creating motion design in a variety of educational contexts. Here is a list of the main educational motion designs we regularly produce for our clients:

• Animated Explainer videos: 2 to 6-minute videos that use animation to explain complex concepts, suitable for different educational levels or specific subjects.
• Training teasers: a short animated video (maximum one minute) designed to promote and attract attention.
• Animated infographics: Development of dynamic infographics to summarize key data or statistics,
• Visual narrations for educational documentaries: Production of animated segments for educational documentaries, used for knowledge input and to illustrate historical, scientific or cultural narratives.
• Visual support for virtual classes or webinars: Provision of motion design elements that can be integrated into live presentations or webinars.
• Simulations and demonstrations: Use motion design to create simulations or demonstrations that show processes or procedures.
• Educational content for social networks: Development of short animated clips specially designed for social media platforms.

These types of motion design aim to enrich the learning experience and offer innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of each customer.

To take full advantage of its pedagogical benefits, motion design needs to be seen as part of an overall learning strategy. Its use is based on fundamental principles that guide each of its creations:

• Educational relevance first and foremost
• Precise adaptation to learning objectives
• Consistent integration into the training program or educational project