Javascript Security Explainer
Concept - Script - Design - Animation
As part of the marketing team at Halo Security, one of our content goals is to create engaging educational cybersecurity content that helps to make this complex industry a little more accessible.
To help with this goal, I proposed a series of animated videos that explain security topics in a simplified style to make them easily shareable and help Halo establish itself as a valuable voice in the cybersecurity field. Unlike the webinar, whiteboard and slide deck style videos that make up the bulk of cybersecurity content on YouTube, these videos take advantage of the much broader range of storytelling and design strategies that are possible in animation.
Working with in-house cybersecurity experts to craft the scripts, the ideal length of the videos was determined to be around 2-3 minute which allowed for enough detail to engage more experienced viewers while keeping it simple enough for newcomers. This length meant that stylistically the videos would need to stay fairly flat and simple to keep the production timelines reasonable. Each video has a unique design element to represent the central topic while supporting design elements are re-used and adapted for different videos, creating a cohesive style.
STARTING WITH THE BASIC BUILDING BLOCKOne of the most challenging aspects of creating motion for abstract technical content is how to build clear and intuitive visuals. In this case, creating the central element, Javascript, as a shapeshifting codeblock is inspired by UX elements found on technical implementation pages.
PLAYFUL AND UPBEATCybersecurity content has a reputation for being boring, dense, and too technical. To counteract these expectations, the visuals and motion of this video is designed to be upbeat, playful, and fun. Bright colors, exaggeration, anticipation, as well as squash and stretch, give the work a more cartoon-like feel without sacrificing the technical accuracy of the script.
MORPHING EXPECTATIONSTo add to the video’s playfulness, many of the transitions feature morphing elements. These transitions not only help to vary the tempo of the piece and add an element of surprise, but they also help guide the eye throughout the video and create cohesiveness from one scene to the next.