Anim=Mind Food?
4 messages in this thread
I posted this message first in the education area with little response. Let me
try re-posting as more of a 3D-Studio related question:
One of the clear strengths of computer animations are their ability to
communicated events or concept processes effectively with rapid digestion and
understanding. With animations becoming less expensive to produce (thanks to
lower cost hardware and software such as 3D Studio).
My questions are:
1. Does anyone know where I can find out how much animation (or other
motion-media) increases an audience's mental digestion as opposed to say, still
overhead slides? I am looking for statistics, results of studies, etc.
2. Does 3DS have an advantage over competition animation packages when it comes
to importing CAD drawings (via ACAD in the case of 3DS)?
All replies appreciated.
Let me preface this reply by saying it is not meant to be cocky, sarcastic or
in any way negative. These are good questions and my response is purely
intended to be constructive:
1. Does anyone know where I can find out how much animation (or other
motion-media) increases an audience's mental digestion as opposed to say, still
overhead slides? I am looking for statistics, results of studies, etc.
I don't have statistics, but I have been doing demonstrations for audiences of
100+ for 4 years and there is no comparison between still overhead slides and
animated slides (including presentations generated by 3DS and ANI). There is no
way IMHO to "categories" or create statistics to the perceptions, attention
span or enthusiasm generated by these presentations, but I have been standing
infront of the "feedback" for a while. 🙂
Even the slightest activity up on the screen is better than a still. At the
request of others (when I have done mutual and cooperative presentations) I
have had to use Powerpoint and other still presentation programs. These
programs have some potential to be used creatively, but the tendency is to use
them with as little work as possible. It is not uncommon then to see the blue
gradient behind whatever information is presented when the user COULD change
the color to anything else. Animator Pro and Animator Studio may not deliver as
simple an interface as Powerpoint and other still image presentation packages,
but then you get out of a presentation what you put into it… always. The
images they create do a far better job though of getting any point across. I
firmly believe this.
2. Does 3DS have an advantage over competition animation packages when it comes
to importing CAD drawings (via ACAD in the case of 3DS)?
Absolutely. They're both produced by Autodesk. If anyone is going to get the
inside scoop on AutoCAD, it will probably be the 3DS programmers. DXF for
example changes with every release. And there is rumor that DWG will also be
changing dramatically. You can expect some for of seamless integration between
ACAD and 3DS, especially with the promises and presentation made by Autodesk
about their "core technologies" strategy. -dave
Thanks Dave for the informative reply. I too am an experienced speaker and use
every form of presentation tool available – including 3D computer animations.
I am well aware of the benefits of animation for communicating concepts to an
audience. I am looking for results of studies done in this area to document
how much more effective…etc. Someone mentioned that this information was
available "probably on Eric". Do you happen to know what this means? I
haven't a clue. Thanks again for the feedback.
-TC