Three-dimensional reality and 3D animation
Because we live in three dimensions, we have no problem perceiving the width, length, height, shape, volume and spatial location of things. We can easily interpret a street scene while walking and orient ourselves without thinking. It’s like a 3D animation running in front of our eyes. Our brain is a fantastic image processor; it can handle 3D images perfectly.
Animated explainer videos sprinkle viewers with a series of images, 1800 images per minute in our videos. Our brains process this video information about 60,000 times faster than if we were reading the same thing. Suppose this “visual carpet-bombing” is done by 3D animation. The result is even better and significantly more enjoyable because the brain is used to 3D. The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is no joke.
But it does matter what that picture is!
It can be a simple, two-dimensional drawing or a series of drawings in video, which are merely symbolic imitations of reality. 2D animations are quicker to create and cheaper, but less engaging, less watched, and therefore less effective. There are subjects for which they are ideally suited and others for which they are out of the question.
Pros for 3D animation
Preparation to decide: 2D or 3D
3D animation, although it takes longer to produce than the simpler 2D version, is a highly adaptable tool. It is more complex and expensive to create, requires more computer capacity and is more complicated to modify afterwards. The process involves creating a 3D model, texturing, rigging, animating, and rendering, each of which requires specialised skills and software. Consequently, it is more expensive than 2D. In return, it can show things that 2D cannot and even things that live video cannot or would not be economical to show. This adaptability makes 3D animation a versatile choice for a wide range of projects.
What is the point of animated videos in the first place? How can an inexperienced person decide which style has the correct price/performance ratio in specific cases? There is no rulebook; the number of variations is increased by the client’s subjective aspects. However, a field trip into the world of online business videos can be beneficial without leaving the comfort of your computer. By watching as many different styles on as many topics as possible, you can gain a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of each. Check the viewing statistics when they’re available. With some effort, you can gain experience and decide which style suits you best.
3D animation case study
We created the following 3D animation of the plasterboarding work phases for a roof interior space, as requested by the manufacturer. As it demonstrates the work process, the video is more than five minutes long, well beyond the 120-second maximum allowed by the rule of thumb. The finished animation was uploaded to our client’s YouTube channel, featuring excellent keywording, and it quickly exceeded half a million views in a few months in a country with a population of less than ten million. All without any paid campaign. While the primary measure of a business video’s success is the number of views, the objective measure is its indirect profit. More time spent on the website, higher Google rankings, and, above all, more revenue. Alas, we do not know the latter effect in this case. But translate this into your business model and imagine what it would do if half a million people looked at your online shop window curiously, each for at least five minutes. Then, consider whether a 2D animation or a live video could do that. Then you can make your decision. Contact us if you’d like to learn more; we’d be happy to discuss the details. It costs you nothing!
The animated video below has only Hungarian narration. It’s embedded here from our Vimeo channel:
