Optimizing Text Durations in Motion Graphics Animations for Effective Reading
When creating motion graphics animations, it is crucial to consider the duration of text displayed on screen. The right balance ensures that the audience can read and understand the content effectively without overwhelming them. This article will explore the key factors affecting text duration and provide guidelines to achieve the best results.
Key Factors Influencing Text Duration
The duration that text should be displayed in motion graphics animations depends on a variety of factors, including the reading speed of the audience, the complexity of the text, visual elements, and the overall pacing of the animation. By considering these factors, you can create an engaging and informative animation that captivates the audience without being too overwhelming.
Reading Speed
The average reading speed for most adults is approximately 200-300 words per minute. For motion graphics, a good rule of thumb is to allow around 3-5 seconds for a sentence or phrase that contains about 10-15 words. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the text and the target audience.
Complexity of Text
If the text is complex or involves more thought such as technical terms or statistics, it is advisable to extend the display duration to 5-7 seconds. This gives the audience more time to process and understand the information presented.
Visual Elements
When there are accompanying visual elements or animations that require the viewer's attention, it is essential to ensure that the text remains on screen for a slightly longer duration. This helps maintain comprehension and ensures that the viewer can absorb all the information without feeling overwhelmed.
Audience Consideration
Tailor the timing based on your target audience. If the audience is likely to read slower, such as children or non-native speakers, increase the duration accordingly. Additionally, testing your animation with a sample audience is a good practice to ensure they can comfortably read the text within the displayed time.
Testing and Refinement
To refine the timing and ensure optimal readability, it is advisable to use a stopwatch to time the display of text. For paragraphs, allow at least 1.5-2 seconds per word, with an additional 1.5 seconds for the start of the sentence. For shorter text, such as a line or two, allow 1.5 seconds per word and add an extra 1.5 seconds at the beginning of the animation to start the process.
Subtitles and Long Sentences
For subtitles, they should be on-screen for as long as they are being spoken, but never more than two lines at a time. If you have a long sentence or complex information to convey, such as technical terms, it is acceptable to display the subtitles a second or so before the lines are spoken, provided no one else is speaking at the same time.
Kinetic Typography
Kinetic typography, or motion typography, can be a powerful tool for making text more engaging. When paired with movement, kinetic typography can get away with jarringly quick on-screen appearances because of the continuous movement. However, it is crucial to ensure that the movement and text are still legible and understandable to the viewer. Ultimately, the goal is to be understood, so it is best to err on the longer end of the spectrum to reinforce the cognition of what you're trying to convey.
Conclusion
Achieving the right balance for text duration in motion graphics animations is essential for effective communication. By considering the reading speed, text complexity, visual elements, and audience, you can create an engaging and informative animation that resonates with your target audience. Whether you're creating text heavy animations or dynamic kinetic typography, ensuring the text is readable and comprehensible is key to success.