What are the most effective techniques for creating 3D animations that convey data and information?

1 Choose the right type of animation

The first step to create 3D animations that convey data and information is to choose the right type of animation for your purpose and audience. There are different types of 3D animations, such as fly-through, rotation, morphing, and simulation, that can show different aspects of data, such as spatial, temporal, structural, or causal. For example, a fly-through animation can show the spatial distribution of data points in a 3D space, while a rotation animation can show different perspectives of a 3D object or shape. A morphing animation can show how data changes over time or across categories, while a simulation animation can show how data behaves under certain conditions or scenarios. You should choose the type of animation that best suits your data story and your intended message.

2 Use color and lighting

Color and lighting are essential elements of 3D animation that can enhance or detract from the data and information you want to convey. Color can be used to encode data values, categories, or groups, as well as to create contrast, harmony, or emphasis. Lighting can be used to create depth, realism, or mood, as well as to highlight or obscure data features. You should use color and lighting strategically and consistently, and avoid using too many colors or too much lighting that can distract or confuse the viewer. You should also consider the color blindness and accessibility issues that may affect some of your audience members.

3 Add interactivity and narration

Interactivity and narration are two ways to make your 3D animations more engaging and informative for your audience. Interactivity allows the viewer to explore, manipulate, or customize the data visualization, while narration provides context, explanation, or guidance. Interactivity can be achieved by adding features such as zooming, panning, rotating, filtering, or selecting, that allow the viewer to control the animation or the data display. Narration can be achieved by adding voice-over, text, or captions, that provide additional information or commentary. You should add interactivity and narration that complement and support your data story and your main message, and avoid adding too much interactivity or narration that can overwhelm or distract the viewer.

4 Follow 3D graphics design principles

When creating 3D animations to effectively convey data and information, it is important to adhere to basic 3D graphics design principles. Balance, proportion, perspective, movement, and unity should all be considered in order to create a sense of equilibrium, harmony, depth, dynamism, and coherence. Through the use of vanishing point, horizon line, foreshortening, speed, acceleration, inertia, repetition, alignment, and proximity you can create 3D animations that impressively convey data and information. This will help you reach your data visualization goals.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?