When you think of “animation,” 2D animation likely comes to mind. Though flat, it can be designed to appear as if it has depth and dimension. The examples below illustrate how this approach can range from abstract visuals to product UI animation. This technique allows for using shapes, icons, and text to convey ideas more abstractly, which helps handle complex concepts, working with unfinished UI, or creating timeless content that won’t date with UI changes.
We use 2.5D to create the illusion of depth in flat visuals, creating a hybrid between 2D and 3D that looks more premium with much less production effort than a complete 3D approach. This technique makes the UI seem in 3D space, letting elements stand out captivatingly.
If it feels like you could pick up and touch what you’re seeing on screen, it’s a 3D animation. Lighting, texture, and tangible materials, these are all components of 3D animation. Due to render times and a more involved development process, these projects call for a longer runway, but the end result is worth the extra effort.
A demo video is a great way to show how the product works to the viewer. It can be a simple screen recording with a clear voiceover, or it can have extra elements to add flavor, such as a b-roll or subtle camera moves, to make it more interesting for the audience. These features can enhance a basic demo and draw attention to important aspects of the product.
Microsoft’s products are designed for real people, so adding a human touch to the videos can make them more engaging and relatable. Live-action footage can help the viewer connect emotionally with the video and see how the product works in real life, which is why it can be such a powerful tool for creating videos. Custom shoots allow the most flexibility in crafting unique narratives or showing specific interactions between characters and other characters or products.
Stock footage can help you craft a story with a human touch in your video without needing a live shoot. This option may not offer the same flexibility or production value as a live-action shoot. However, it can still produce a premium video that engages the viewer emotionally.