Animation Attracts Attention

Animation is the illusion of motion, which, when used appropriately, adds impact to a presentation or project. However, it should be used only when it add to the project's content and objective. Animation doesn't necessarily have to involve complex 3D graphics to be effective in multimedia presentations. Animation also involves visual effects such as text or images appearing on the computer screen as the user clicks on a hot spot or even fading or dissolving so new information can appear.

Simple visual effects help users remember the product or service. When you are using multimedia presentations at trade shows or other business or sales presentations, you should remember animation attracts the attention to the project or service. However, more complex animation can be used to demonstrate and instruct. With animation, you can show the operation of a product in ways that are impossible with static pictures. For example, in a parts-assembly training manual, different elements can be shown exploding into an expanded view, allowing the user to observe the assembly or disassembly of a complex piece of machinery. "Animation makes exploded diagrams explode, procedures proceed, and working models work--all in front of the user's eyes" (Horton 1996:328). However, it is important to use animation to better communicate information, not decorate the multimedia project.

Animation is a button actually moving across the screen.