Motion graphic transitions are an essential part of any successful video project. Still, often, they are overlooked or seen as a nice-to-have rather than the connective tissue that binds one scene to the next in an on-brand way. To have a holistically thought-out video project, motion graphic transitions must tie it all together. Some viewers may not notice them right away, but if they are not there, chances are their absence will be felt.
We can discuss a variety of motion graphics transitions. From the heavy-handed, highly branded approach of professional sports broadcasting to the more subtle but equally important transitions used in corporate explainer videos, the right design approach can always add more production value to your project.
Once your approach is finalized and ready to be applied to your project, the question becomes where and how often because it’s easy to overdo it if you’re not careful. A general rule of thumb is that motion transitions are best used when going between major chapters or sections in a narrative, whereas, in all other moments, a simple hard cut will do. The job of many transitions is to move from one concept to another, but some are important for keeping the viewer’s mind focused on the current idea, and it’s important to know when to use which.
Hard cut:
The hard cut is the most basic form of a transition, and one does not need to be a Creative Director or a seasoned Motion Graphics designer to understand that sometimes you just need to get to the next scene or the next shot.
Dissolve:
This is a softer way to move from one scene to the next while evoking a more noticeable change in your viewers than a hard cut would. It is often used when one thought is complete, and it’s time to move on to the next concept. Sometimes, a designer will add light visual effects over the dissolve to reinforce your brand without being too heavy-handed.
Designed Transition:
A designed transition is used instead of a dissolve, usually at the start or end of an information segment. The transition uses bespoke elements to reinforce further your brand’s colors, shapes, or visual language so that it feels polished and well thought out.
Logo Transition:
Most often used in sports broadcasts, the logo transition is seen after a replay, when the logo of the team or channel appears on screen to establish with the viewer a return to live action.
Cut On Action:
This transition acts as a bridge from one visual to another. It helps continue the action by quickly connecting one similar action to the next, keeping the viewer focused and engaged.
Zoom Transition:
This is a great way to focus the eye. Like the Cut On Action, the Zoom transition invites the viewer to focus more intently on the subject matter, making it feel like they are going deeper into detail. It’s a great way to convey important information that should not be overlooked.
Morph Transition:
A clever device is typically used at the beginning or end of a video to punctuate an idea or prepare the audience for the pace and personality of the rest of the video. This technique is best used sparingly, as it’s visually intense and can become distracting if overused.
As you can see, there’s far more to motion graphics transitions than one might expect, and having the right team that understands the best ways to integrate those transitions into your video project is clutch. A lack of motion graphics transitions will never break a good script and a solid design, but to get the most out of your project, it’s important to consider them and how they can positively impact your efforts.
We’d love to help you develop the perfect video project for your brand and the animated infographic or motion graphics that shape it. To learn more about Bottle Rocket Media’s video production services and other services like motion graphics services, or even video marketing services, connect with us to start your video project.