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Shaping kids to social distance
ProblemAt the height of the pandemic, there were many children unsure of what everything meant. There was a need to explain the concept of social distancing to help reach a lower infection rate and provide different outlets to feel normal.
Solution
Explanation videos are a great tool to offer accessible assistance to a wider audience.
I animated an explanation video of preventative steps to slow the spread. The friendly group of bouncing characters I created invite all children to feel brave during this tough situation.
Imagining the story
Storyboard Phase
To create a 90-second video, I investigated scenarios that little viewers would have to go through because of CDC social distancing recommendations.
Kids could easily spot 6-feet stickers on the floor at stores and in schools. They were told they had to stop gathering with friends and family. School lessons were now being taught online.
But did the kids understand what was going on? What actions did they have to take? Were they frightened?
To try to show normalcy, I included reading a book and having quality time on the phone with family as part of the video. These are behaviors that exhibit a feeling of normalcy during stressful times. The next step was to design amiable characters.
Storyboard Sketch
Friendly characters paving the way
Character Development Phase
Shapes play a crucial role in kids' development. They see them in toys, TV shows, and books. It was necessary to have them as the main characters in the explainer video. These illustrations appeal to the young viewers aiming to reduce stress and instill reassurance.
Character & Color Development
Evoking a fun atmosphere
Visual Design
The font choice evokes a feeling of fun. The curvatures of the letters mimic little kids playing around. The color palette is cheery and soft. Combining font and color creates a child-friendly atmosphere.
Making moves
Animation DesignNext, I prepared the animation with Adobe After Effects. To ensure I had an effective way to manage my project I created each scene within their own composition. This method reduced clutter in the master composition timeline.
Final Thoughts
When the world felt upside down, I wanted to provide children a sense of hope. My goal with this video is to reach children everywhere to help them understand they will be okay. The happy Shape Kids are there to show kids the necessary steps to social distance.
The project allowed me to explore how to improve productivity in Adobe After Effects. The primary takeaway from this was learning how to use the camera in Adobe After Effects to give the illusion of being part of the scene. I learned through the process that it's better to use less text because a child’s mind tends to wander.
I feel that using shapes was a perfect choice for the video. From birth, children develop increased object perception on a daily basis. I see future opportunities for the Shape Kids to display helpful scenarios in children's development.
