Animation is a broad field with varying requirements depending on the medium in which it is used for. Whether it is 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, there are clear differences between animations created for television and those produced for film. Television series typically feature less expressive animation, and in 3D animation, shaders are kept simpler to reduce render times. Infographics represent a form of animation that is generally the simplest in terms of complexity.
Infographics are predominantly used to simplify complex or abstract themes. The core of infographics is often a presentation. It includes facts and data. Without any animation the information is skimmed over without much of an impact on the viewer. Meanwhile, adding animation while dissecting a theme into small portions as well as adding comparison and a storyline the information is more likely to be remembered. While animation is an important part of infographics, it should not overshadow the information itself. The animation should enhance the information rather than distract from it.
There are various ways to create an animated infographic. Due to budget limitations, many projects share a similar visual style. Often Stock vector graphics are used as a base for the animation In these cases, the designer or animator focuses mainly on animating pre-existing elements instead of designing each asset from scratch. This approach significantly reduces production time and cost. For higher-budget projects, vector graphics may be custom-designed specifically for the infographic, allowing for a more unique and tailored visual identity that closely matches the topic and target audience.
A different approach is the so-called white board animation. Here elements get pinned or stuck on a whiteboard according to the desired story. The elements are hand drawn figures and objects giving it a personal note. Sometimes elements are drawn in addition. The hand of the, in this case, animator is shown and interacts directly with the infographic. The desired outcome is the feeling of someone explaining the topic directly to the viewer.
Ultimately, the most important factor for infographic animation is efficiency. The goal is to convey information and tell a story in the quickest and clearest way possible For this reason, characters—if they are used at all—do not need to be complex or highly detailed. If a storyline only requires a character to perform a simple action, such as raising a hand, there is no need for an advanced or intricate animation rig in software like After Effects. Simplicity often leads to clarity, which is the true strength of effective infographic animation.
Infographics found their way into YouTube as well. Many explain videos use them to create content without having to create complicate animations or invest into expansive real-life footage. They reach a large audience for example a video about “Crazy Things Science Still Can’t Explain” has over 1.2 million views over just 4 months.
Overall, animated infographics demonstrate how simplicity, clarity, and purposeful motion can effectively communicate complex information to a wide audience while remaining efficient in both production and storytelling.
https://explainvisually.co/en/animated-infographics/
https://absolute.agency/articles/blogs/five-essential-items-for-an-animated-infographic
https://www.nobledesktop.com/blog/tips-for-creating-effective-animated-infographics
