Animation is a powerful tool to amplify your research impact. It can help you reach diverse audiences, add layers of understanding to your message, and create lasting impact. I’m excited to share my experience as an animator, focusing on public education, social justice, and storytelling, to help you bring attention to your work. If you’re curious if animation is right for your research project, please feel free to reach out to me at yourstoryismoving@gmail.com. Now, let’s dive into the 10 steps to creating impactful animated research outputs!

1. Identify Your Audience:

Before diving into the animation process, take a moment to consider your target audience. Think about who could benefit most from your research findings—whether it’s policymakers, peers, niche groups, or the general public. Understanding your audience will guide your storytelling approach and help ensure your animation speaks directly to their interests and concerns.

2. Identify Your Goal:

What do you want your animation to achieve? Define the purpose of your animated output—whether it’s to educate, build empathy, or direct resources towards a specific cause. Knowing your goal will provide a clear direction for your animation and ensure it delivers the impact you desire.

3. Identify Your Primary Points before Scripting:

Remember, brevity is key in animation. With each minute limited to around 150 words of scripting, focus on making 2-3 main points that reinforce your message through explanation and examples. Keep the content digestible, memorable, and easy to retain.

4. Iterative and Creative Scripting:

Don’t be afraid to explore various scripting approaches! Experiment with different styles, from educating narrators, to empathic case studies, to narrative-driven character interactions, to abstraction and metaphor. Iterate on your scripts to unleash your creativity and discover the most compelling way to tell your research story.

5. Consult on Your Script:

Give your script a test run by reading it aloud in front of others or having someone else read it to you. This process will help you fine-tune the pacing, tone, and energy of your animation. Moreover, consult with research participants or community partners for ethical collaboration, ensuring their input shapes the final output.

6. Hire the Right Animator:

Finding the perfect animator for your project is crucial. No animator is likely to be an expert in your field, so look instead for animators that display curiosity, empathy, and excitement for your research. Examine their portfolios to assess their storytelling skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence to make an informed choice.

7. Let Every Star Shine:

Collaboration is key! Allow your animator to provide input on the script, just as you give feedback on the visuals. Embrace the creativity of your team and avoid overly restrictive visual direction in the script. Encourage open communication and let the best ideas shine through.

8. Plan to Be Available:

During the storyboarding phase, be actively involved and available for quick rounds of feedback. Storyboarding is a creative and dynamic process, and your timely input will keep the momentum going and ensure the project progresses smoothly.

9. Think Ahead and Be Certain:

Once the storyboarding phase is complete, changes become costly and time-consuming. Ensure the final storyboard aligns with your audience, goals, and primary points. Consult with key stakeholders and collaborators before giving your final approval.

10. It’s Not Over When the Animation Is Complete:

Your animation is ready to impact the world, but it won’t achieve its full potential without promotion. Plan ahead for festival submissions, social media outreach, blog posts, and press coverage. Allocate time and budget for promotion to maximize your animation’s reach and impact.

Animation holds great potential to enhance your research impact! I hope these 10 steps have inspired you to consider including animation in your impact plan. If you’re eager to discuss how animation can benefit your specific research project, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at yourstoryismoving@gmail.com.