Simplifying Complex Concepts with Animated Explainer Videos

In the realm of software solutions, simplifying complex concepts is essential for engaging and educating our audience effectively. At Operance, I perosnally embarked on a journey to create a series of animated explainer videos to demystify our platform and address key industry challenges.

This case study delves into our process of conceptualizing, producing, and refining these videos, highlighting the transformative impact they had on our audience's understanding of critical topics such as compliance with the Golden Thread and digital O&M manual production.

Background.

As a new entrant in the traditional O&M (Operations and Maintenance) market, Operance faced the challenge of establishing its identity and differentiating its digital solution amidst incumbent products. With a mission to revolutionise the way building information is managed, Operance needed to convey who they were as a business, articulate the value of their product, and demonstrate why it offered a superior solution compared to existing options.

Moreover, the landscape of the O&M market was evolving rapidly due to the introduction of the new Building Safety Act, which mandated the implementation of a "golden thread" solution for building information management. This legislative change presented a new challenge for stakeholders in the construction and facilities management industries, who needed to understand and adapt to the requirements of the new regulation.

In light of these challenges, I first recognised the importance of first educating their audience about the implications of the Building Safety Act and the concept of the golden thread before promoting their own solution. By providing clarity on the evolving regulatory landscape and the pressing need for compliant building information management systems, I could position Operance as a trusted partner in navigating these changes and delivering innovative solutions to meet emerging market demands.

Thus, the development of animated explainer videos served as a strategic approach to not only introduce Operance as a disruptive force in the O&M market but also to educate and inform stakeholders about the significance of compliance with the golden thread requirements. Through clear and engaging storytelling, I sought to lay the foundation for understanding the challenges faced by the target audience and pave the way for the adoption of their digital solution as a viable and superior alternative.

MY PROCESS.

Here's a brief overview of the process I followed and managed:

Conceptualisation:
- Identified the need for animated explainer videos to explain Operance's value proposition and address industry pain points.
- Developed a storyboard outlining the visual journey through each video, mapping out key actions, animations, and transitions to convey complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner.
Animator Selection:
- Conducted thorough market research to identify a suitable animator who could bring our vision to life creatively.
- Selected an animator based on their portfolio, creative style, and ability to adhere to our brand guidelines, ensuring visual consistency and alignment with our brand identity.
Script Development:
- Crafted scripts for each video, adhering to Operance's tone of voice and brand guidelines.
- Designed scripts to simplify complicated subjects like compliance with the Golden Thread and digital O&M manual production, making them accessible to a diverse audience.
Vocal Actor Selection:
- Sourced a vocal actor with a diverse voice to bring life to the scripts and enhance audience engagement.
- Chose a vocal actor who could effectively convey the messages of the videos while maintaining clarity and coherence.
Project Management:
- Project managed the collaboration between the animator and vocal artist, ensuring smooth communication and timely delivery of assets.
- Provided feedback and guidance to both parties throughout the production process, ensuring alignment with our vision and brand guidelines.
Iterative Improvement:
- Reviewed the initial drafts of the videos and provided constructive feedback to refine the animations and voiceovers.
- Implemented suggested improvements to enhance the clarity, coherence, and visual appeal of the videos, ensuring they effectively communicated our messages.

OUTCOME.

The animated explainer videos received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our audience, with many expressing appreciation for the simplified explanations of complex topics.

Audience members liked the clarity and creativity of the videos, noting how they finally understood concepts like the Golden Thread and digital O&M manual production.

By leveraging animated storytelling, Operance successfully demystified complex subjects, strengthening our brand presence and establishing ourselves as industry leaders in simplifying BIM processes.