As a visual designer, I have always loved composition and layout. Originally, I thought I wanted to work in magazine design because I loved this area so much. Alas, life had a different plan, and I love the world of design in higher education. Though many of the concepts this week were review, there is always more to learn, and I love reading through the comments and seeing the examples/perspectives of the other students. I haven’t worked in web design for many years, and things are changing so fast—the process, mindset, and tools. The Pinterest Board has become something I look forward to each week as I find so many great resources and always learn something new.

This week another student posted an article, How to Integrate Motion Design in the UX Workflow. My thesis research integrates a motion component and I am also taking a motion course through VCD at KSU. It is nice to make connections between all of the different areas you are working in. I appreciated the “key functions of animation” list in this article and found these functions to correspond with the animation component of my thesis. Why am I using animation to assist breathing?:

• to direct the user’s attention
• to guide them on when to breathe in and breathe out (breath-syncing)
• create visceral aesthetics and appeal that encourage usage and increase adoption
• provide a deeper level of clarity in regards to focused breathing

While I am not at the user testing stage of my research yet, it will be nice to review the feedback I get and refer back to this article.

Regarding the tools I will use to prototype, I began by working in Tumult Hype. This article references multiple other tools that could come in handy. Now that I am learning After Effects this might be an option. Since I am leaning toward a desktop application, I am unsure the best way to user test outside of the browser window (or if this is possible). While I have some coding experience, the prototype will more than likely be produced using an application over using code.

One thing I am now aware of is that all animation in UX must be functional. When taking over a user’s screen, this experience can be disorienting as to what is happening. If all of a user’s content disappears, they may momentarily freak out. Having a directional animation expand outward orients the user as to what is happening. Visual feedback is also important and an area I still have to give more consideration to so the user feels connected to the exercise. Continuing onward…