How can you use whiteboard animation to explain complex ideas?

1 What is whiteboard animation?

Whiteboard animation is a type of animation that uses a white background and a black or colored marker to illustrate the main points of a topic. The animation is usually synchronized with a voice-over that provides the explanation, narration, or commentary. Whiteboard animation can be created using software tools that simulate the drawing effect, or by recording a real whiteboard and editing the footage. Whiteboard animation is often used for educational, informational, or promotional purposes, as it can capture the attention of the audience and simplify complex or abstract ideas.

2 Why use whiteboard animation?

Whiteboard animation is a great way to explain complex ideas, as it creates a visual story that helps viewers comprehend and retain the information. This method reduces cognitive load by highlighting the essential elements with simple and clear graphics, and appeals to multiple learning styles by combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements. Additionally, whiteboard animation stimulates curiosity and interest by creating a sense of anticipation and discovery, as well as enhances engagement and retention with humor, emotions, metaphors, and analogies.

3 How to plan your whiteboard animation?

Before you start creating your whiteboard animation, you need to have a clear plan. First, define your goal and audience. Consider the main message you want to convey and who you are trying to reach. Next, research your topic and gather relevant information. Think about the key facts, concepts, or arguments you need to include and how to organize them logically and coherently. Then, write your script and storyboard. Structure your narration and choose visuals to support it. Figure out how to transition from one scene to another and how to end your video. Lastly, choose your style and tone. Decide on the mood and atmosphere you want to create as well as the voice, music, and sound effects that will help you achieve it. Make sure to balance simplicity and creativity.

4 How to create your whiteboard animation?

Once you have your plan ready, you can begin creating your whiteboard animation using one of the many software tools available online or offline. To do this, you'll need to select a template or background, add graphics and text, animate your graphics and text, record or import a voice-over, and add music and sound effects. You can customize the background to suit your theme and purpose, adjust the size, color, and position of your elements, set the timing, speed, and direction of your animation, choose a drawing effect such as hand-drawn or sketch, record your own voice or use a text-to-speech feature or professional voice actor, choose from available sound effects or upload your own, and adjust the volume and duration of your audio.

5 How to optimize your whiteboard animation?

Once you have completed your whiteboard animation, it is essential to optimize it for your goal and audience's expectations. Review the content and design for any errors, inconsistencies, or gaps in the information, narration, or visuals. Ensure that your message is clear, concise, and relevant. Test the video from the perspective of your audience to ascertain if it is engaging, informative, and persuasive. Ask for feedback from others and make any necessary changes. Once you are satisfied with the video, choose the right platform and format to upload the video. Promote your video on your website, social media, or other channels and encourage viewers to comment, like, or share.