Have you ever read an instruction manual? Pretty boring, huh? Losing interest means you may never learn how to assemble or use the product you purchased or are about to purchase.
Add video and you will get a more engaging format. But with hands and tools getting in the way, it can be difficult to figure out what’s going on.
So what’s the ideal solution? How about a 3D animated video?
Here are some reasons why 3D animation is the perfect choice for your instructional needs.
It Shows Everything
When you are watching a live instructional video, the person in the video may be showing you how to put together parts on the front of the device, but once they turn it to another angle, you can completely lose sight of what’s going on. With 3D animation, you can turn products front, back, and side to side, and thanks to its multi-dimensional characteristics, you will always know what’s going on.
It Doesn’t Get Outdated
When you shoot a live video, you run the risk of it becoming outdated. The actors’ clothing and haircuts may represent another era. If old technology was used, the look of the video may be telling the viewer that filming was done a few years ago.
With a 3D video, you never have to worry about representing your product and company in a way that isn’t up to date. Actors are eliminated and products always look current and modern.
If any updates are needed, this is not difficult to achieve. For example, if you improve your product by adding new features, you can always edit the video without requiring an entire reshoot.
It Focuses Attention on the Product
Most live videos require a human being on set to explain and show how the object functions. This can cause the viewer to pay more attention to the person than the product.
A 3D animated video does not require actors to allow viewers to focus their full attention on the product. They will learn exactly how it works and the benefits it offers. They will retain this information which will make them feel confident that they are making a smart purchasing decision.
It’s Accessible on a Variety of Devices
Many instructional manuals come in a PDF format with a lot of text and small technical drawings. The PDF was developed back in 1993 and was never intended for use on small screens. 3D video can ideally be viewed on mobile devices so you can learn and assemble it no matter where you may be.
There are no Obstructions
When you use 3D animation, you never have to worry about tools or hands getting in the way of your scenes. The viewer will have a clear view so they can see exactly what’s going on at all times.
It’s More Efficient
Showing a viewer how a product works or how to install, assemble or maintain it, can take several minutes or even hours. Nobody has time for that! A 3D animated video can show functionalities and assemblies in lapse times so viewers get the point without spending a good chunk of their day watching the whole process in real-time.
With 3D animation, it is possible to communicate the same story in a shorter period of time. The above video gives a great example of this. It demonstrates how not a single screw has been set in the live video while the full assembly and installation of the same window hinges are done in 9 seconds in the animation.
Alternatively, you can read the article “Video vs. 3D Animation: The 10 Second Challenge”.
It’s Not Subject to the Elements
When illustrating how a product works, you may want to show how it functions in various applications such as inside walls, underground, underwater, and more. 3D animation can simulate any environment, so the possibilities are endless. Additionally, you never have to worry about weather or actor reliability getting in the way of your shoot.
Now that you know the facts, is there any reason why you wouldn’t use 3D animation in your instructional videos?
