Title: Unit 26 Computer Animation Introduction
Course: Computer Animation

Unit 26: Computer Animation

Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers. It brings together computer graphics and animation techniques. Animation does not require computers; however the increasing power of computers to create and manipulate sets of images has allowed basic animation to reach new levels of sophistication and realism.

It is increasingly created by means of 3D computer graphics, although 2D computer graphics are still widely used for low bandwidth and faster real-time needs. In this unit only 2D graphics are required.

Animation has become a prominent feature of the worldwide web and is used to create interest and attract attention. In this area, however there are other factors that need to be taken into a account when designing and building applications such as the nature of the display device and the bandwidth of the connection. You will be taught to use layers, timelines, buttons, rollover effects and sound.

As with all computer applications you must first identify the need, specific requirements and constraints before building the solution.

We plan to use Macromedia Flash as our main development tool but we will also experiment with Blender and other design packages.

On completion of this you should:

1 Understand the origins and types of animation

2 Be able to use software techniques used in animation

3 Be able to plan, create and review an animation using digital methods.

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