How do companies explain complex issues most clearly to their customers? How do manufacturers attract the attention of their target group? How can technical relationships be explained in an interesting and clear way? Companies, authorities and schools are again relying on modern media formats this year in order to present their concerns to their target group in an understandable and sustainable way: with explanatory videos . The diverse style options and endless areas of application are not only unbeatable, but also allow an individual and unmistakable development of style.
Here we present the exciting design trends for explainer videos that will inspire us in 2018.
1. Fluid Animation: Explainer videos with dynamics
Fluid Animation has been gaining more and more fans for a while now. We think that this trend should not be missing in 2018. With Fluid Animation, realistic simulations of water, smoke or explosions can be generated. The movement of the liquid is illustrated in a deceptively real way and is even significantly cheaper than film recordings with real liquids. The popular animation method is now increasingly being used as real-time animation. They are ideal for explanatory videos, especially in the dynamic range. Fluid animations are also simply perfect for the appetizing presentation of products from the food sector such as chocolate, coffee or tea.
2. Textures: Videodesign with haptics & patterns
Simplified but atmospheric representations of surfaces, materials and fabrics can be achieved through animations with textures and patterns. Therefore, they are above all an interesting alternative to fully filled, simple color areas. In explainer videos they create a certain spatial depth and complete it with beautiful 2D effects. The design is versatile and can also be combined with other explainer video trends.
3. Retro: Animations with vintage charm
Also in 2018, the retro style for animations is still in high demand. With simple lines, shapes and colors in a retro design, explainer videos are given a friendly and understandable touch, with which even complex topics can be well illustrated. The clear visual language, which can be supplemented with icons, is particularly popular for explanatory videos in the insurance and food industries.
4. Funky style: explanatory videos with a wink
The funky style is an evolution of the retro design and therefore shares the basic characteristics with the classic. But the funky style differs above all in the coloring. Instead of retro colors, trendy and strong colors are used here. The funky style also differs from its brave colleagues in the choice of characters. Exaggerated forms and cheeky animations make it possible, above all, for explanatory videos to convey the facts humorously and with a little wink.
5. Outlines: Interesting contrasts with outline-style explainer videos
Outlines are also a popular stylistic device in 2018. Characterized by prominent outlines in animation, the style combines both vintage influences and modern creations. Outlines allow an explainer video design with high-contrast animations that can emphasize facts or create eye-catchers. Thanks to the versatility of outlines, however, animations with delicate coloring are also possible. They are therefore the ideal tool for explainer videos with a particularly strong individual style.
6. Shadow puppets: The elegant design trend
Animations with shadow figures convince with their simplicity and elegance. Therefore, in 2018 they will be used primarily in explanatory videos that aim for a mature and high-quality look. Although the shadow figures appear more serious than classic comic animations, they are an interesting style element that attracts attention. Combinations of a few high-contrast colors and clearly defined shapes directs the focus of your target group to where you want it to be.
7. Isometric: Videos for a bird’s-eye view
Isometric designs are the ideal stylistic device for 2018, especially for explainer videos in the technical field. The style can be used to create clear views with a 3D character that make complex structures and connections recognizable at a glance. This effect is very helpful for explaining technical processes, but can also be used perfectly for topics from architecture, urban planning and the like.
8. Infographic: Clearly informative explanatory videos
Infographics in the classic form have long been very popular on social media channels and in print. No wonder, since they explain complex relationships, statistics and facts in a playful and clear way. In 2018, we are even going one step further with animated infographics and are also using their positive effect for explanatory videos.
9. Whiteboard: The proven classic among explainer videos
Classic and still trendy: These are also explanatory videos in whiteboard design for 2018. Animations in color or black and white are placed on a white background and further components such as icons, texts or figures are added by pushing or drawing hands. This technique captures the viewer’s attention and simply explains each topic in a vivid and memorable way. Because it is stylistically so variable, the whiteboard style is also suitable for extensive storytelling in advertising, for image videos and videos in e-learning.
