GRA-120-8 Motion Design

GRA-120-8 Motion Design

  • Course description
    • Course Code
      GRA-120-8
    • Level of Study
      5.2
    • Program of Study
      Visual Communication
    • Credits
      10
    • Study Plan Coordinator
      Libre van den Bergh
Teaching Term(s)
2028 Autumn
About the Course

In Motion Design, students work with animation and moving image as part of graphic design and visual communication. They explore how graphic elements, typography and imagery can be combined, transformed and sequenced over time to communicate messages to specific target groups. Through scripting, visual planning and simple storyboards, they learn how to structure motion pieces and examine how timing, rhythm and synchronisation with sound shape the impact of motion graphics in contexts such as branding, information design and social media.

Throughout the course, students create short motion design pieces from brief and initial ideas to exported work ready for presentation and inclusion in a digital portfolio. They use relevant digital tools, file formats and workflows for animation and motion graphics, and gain practical experience in preparing work for different screens and platforms. The course emphasises experimentation, critique and reflection, with students analysing contemporary motion design examples, discussing good practice and documenting their own process, choices and learning to support further development and specialisation within motion design.

Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge

The candidate

  • has knowledge of key concepts, theories, processes and tools used in motion design as a specialised area within graphic design and visual communication.
  • has knowledge of the core principles of animation and motion.
  • has knowledge of how scripting, visual planning and storyboarding are used to plan and structure motion design projects.
  • has knowledge of how graphic design elements can be combined and transformed through motion.
  • has knowledge of how audio, rhythm and synchronisation influence the structure and impact of motion design.
  • has knowledge of common digital tools, file formats and workflows used for creating, exporting and sharing motion graphics.
  • is familiar with the history, traditions and distinctive nature of motion design and its role in contemporary culture, branding and information design.
  • has insight into their own interests and opportunities for further development and specialisation within motion design and related fields.
Skills

The candidate

  • can explain their motion design choices in relation to a given brief, message and target group, including key motion design principles that support the intended communication.
  • can apply knowledge of animation and motion design principles to communicate messages through motion.
  • can plan and visualise animated sequences using basic storyboards.
  • can create short motion graphics using relevant digital tools, integrating text, images and simple graphic elements into coherent animated clips.
  • can work with audio, rhythm and synchronisation to align visual actions with voiceover, sound effects or music in a simple motion design project.
  • can find, evaluate and reference relevant information and examples, such as tutorials, motion design references and style guides, and assess their relevance to a specific motion design project.
  • can reflect on their own motion design practice and adjust their work based on feedback and guidance where relevant.
  • can prepare motion design outcomes in appropriate formats and resolutions for presentation, sharing and inclusion in a digital portfolio.
General Competence

The candidate

  • can exchange views with others about good practice in motion design and participate in critiques and discussions about developments in the field in order to improve practice.
  • can carry out motion design work based on the needs of defined target groups, users or clients as described in a given brief, and present and explain ideas for visual and motion-related choices in both visual and written form.
  • can document and reflect on their motion design process and own learning in a professional manner, share workflows, reflections and lessons learned with others, and take responsibility for their own ongoing learning.