Data-Driven Animation for Science Communication from Coursera

In this course each student will create a scientific animation that tells a story with data to better communicate scientific results – along the way they will learn programming, science writing, and technical animation skills.

This course trains students in data-based storytelling that promotes research and science communication for the benefit of communities and policymakers on local and global scales. Students will draft a science writing script, create custom raster and vector graphics, data visualizations, and animations in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Autodesk Maya. For their final project, students will assemble these data-driven assets into an animated video abstract.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1—Planning your animation

In this Module you will lay out the groundwork for your data-driven animation. You will pick a scientific study, tell its story, interpret a dataset, and compose a style guide that determines the fonts, colors, and mood of your animation. Using your script and style guide, you will plan out the action for each scene in your animation. After that, you will create a storyboard conveying the major action in your animation and, from that storyboard, create an animatic.

Week 2—Creating assets: illustrations & graphs

In this Module you will use the animatic and list of assets from the last session to decide which custom assets to create. You will learn digital illustration techniques in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to create these assets with specific attention paid to the future ability to animate the assets. We will create data visualizations, learning about different tools, programs, and guiding principles.

Week 3—2D Animation with Adobe After Effects

In this Module you will develop one of the scenes from your animatic into an animated scene that incorporates motion graphic principles. You will learn how to animate text, lines, and shapes in Adobe After Effects. You will also create an animated version of your improved key figure. We will learn to use JavaScript programming within Adobe After Effects to link data to the attributes of an animated 2D scene.

Week 4—3D Animation with Autodesk Maya

In this Module you will familiarize yourself with the interface of a 3D animation software, Autodesk Maya. You will use your own custom 3D model or a demo file to animate a locomotion cycle (walk, swim, fly, etc., depending on your organism). You will learn about the major steps of creating a 3D animation from modeling and rigging to animation and rendering. You will use the locomotion cycle to create a data-driven animation. We will learn how to use Python programming in Autodesk Maya to create data-driven 3D scenes.

Week 5—Final Composition: Editing and Communication Strategy

In this Module you will assemble the animated scenes you have generated into a fully produced animation. You will learn the basics of editing and composition using an Adobe workflow between Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. We will learn about the importance and power of musical accompaniment in creating your final composition. You will critique each other’s final projects in a peer reviewed assignment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches highly relevant technical animation skills that are used by professionals in research and science communication

Offers a comprehensive study of scientific communication in practice and theory

Develops both scientific writing and programming skills, which are core skills for professionals in research and science communication

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data-Driven Animation for Science Communication with these activities:

Review the basics of JavaScript

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Strengthen your JavaScript skills to support your learning in this course.

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Review your class notes or other resources on JavaScript basics.
Practice writing simple JavaScript programs.
Test your understanding by completing online quizzes or coding challenges.

Review principles of motion graphics

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Brush up on the basics of motion graphics to enhance your learning in this course.

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Read articles or watch videos about the principles of motion graphics.
Practice creating simple motion graphics using a software program.
Get feedback on your work from other students or a mentor.

Create a storyboard for a data-driven animation

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Enhance your storytelling and data visualization skills through storyboarding.

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Choose a dataset that you want to visualize.
Develop a storyboard that outlines the key scenes and transitions in your animation.
Use visual elements such as sketches, diagrams, and text to communicate your ideas.
Share your storyboard with others for feedback and refinement.

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Follow tutorials on Autodesk Maya

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Enhance your 3D animation skills by following tutorials on Autodesk Maya.

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Find tutorials that cover the specific techniques you want to learn.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice the techniques you learn.
Experiment with different techniques and create your own 3D animations.
Share your animations with other students or a mentor for feedback.

Create a data-driven animation using Adobe After Effects

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Create an animated infographic to improve your data visualization skills using Adobe After Effects.

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Find a dataset that you are interested in.
Choose a type of animated infographic that will be effective for presenting your data.
Use Adobe After Effects to create your animation.
Export your animation and share it with others.

Attend a workshop on data visualization

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Supplement your learning with a workshop focused on data visualization.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Find a workshop that covers the topics you are interested in.
Attend the workshop and take notes on the key concepts and techniques.
Apply what you learn to your own data-driven animation projects.

Create an Adobe Premiere Pro tutorial

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Create your own tutorial to further your knowledge of motion design with Adobe Premiere Pro.

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Choose a specific motion graphics technique or effect that you want to demonstrate.
Create a step-by-step guide for how to create this technique or effect.
Use a clear and concise format to make your tutorial easy to follow.
Upload your tutorial to YouTube or another video sharing platform.
Share and promote your tutorial with other students who are learning motion design.

Career center

Learners who complete Data-Driven Animation for Science Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biomedical Animator

Biomedical Animators work closely with medical professionals and scientists to create detailed and accurate 3D animations and visualizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create engaging and informative animations that can be used for educational, training, and research purposes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Animator

Data Visualization Specialist

Data Visualization Specialists use data visualization techniques and software to transform complex data into easy-to-understand visual representations. This course will teach you the principles of data visualization and how to use Adobe software to create compelling and informative visualizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Science Communicator

Science Communicators translate complex scientific information into clear and engaging content for public audiences. This course will teach you the principles of science communication and how to use data-driven storytelling to communicate scientific results effectively.

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Motion Graphics Designer

Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics and effects for use in films, television, video games, and other media. This course will teach you the basics of motion graphics design and how to use Adobe software to create your own animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers design and evaluate the user experience of websites, apps, and other digital products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create user-friendly and engaging digital experiences.

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Information Designer

Information Designers create visual representations of data and information to make it easier to understand. This course will teach you the principles of information design and how to use Adobe software to create clear and concise infographics, data visualizations, and other informational graphics.

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Scientific Illustrator

Scientific Illustrators create detailed and accurate illustrations of scientific subjects for use in textbooks, research papers, and other publications. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create visually appealing and informative scientific illustrations.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course may be helpful for aspiring Web Developers who want to learn more about data visualization and user experience design.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data analysis techniques and machine learning to extract insights from data. This course may be helpful for aspiring Data Scientists who want to learn more about data visualization and storytelling.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create user manuals, training materials, and other technical documentation. This course may be helpful for aspiring Technical Writers who want to learn more about data-driven storytelling and science communication.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts and designs for use in marketing, advertising, and other fields. This course may be helpful for aspiring Graphic Designers who want to learn more about data visualization and motion graphics.

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Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts use data analysis techniques to track and evaluate marketing campaigns. This course may be helpful for aspiring Marketing Analysts who want to learn more about data visualization and storytelling.

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Educational Technologist

Educational Technologists use technology to enhance teaching and learning. This course may be helpful for aspiring Educational Technologists who want to learn more about data visualization and interactive learning.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and exhibits for museums and other cultural institutions. This course may be helpful for aspiring Museum Educators who want to learn more about data visualization and storytelling.

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Science Journalist

Science Journalists write and report on scientific discoveries and research for public audiences. This course may be helpful for aspiring Science Journalists who want to learn more about data visualization and storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Journalist