GE Healthcare Interactive Learning Experience

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Goal: Empower doctors with engaging learning through gamification. This project aims to revolutionize the way doctors learn about crucial patient monitoring techniques by creating an interactive and gamified experience.

Objectives: Engage doctors in learning patient monitoring (dose & MR) through a gamified experience that facilitates access to GE Tip Ed courses.

Target Audience: Doctors


MY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific Contributions: I handled the animation and sound design.

Collaboration: In collaboration with the project manager, I brought the provided illustrations to life through animation.

DESIGN DECISIONS: CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Challenge 1: The illustration files were rasterized (no layers).
Solution: To achieve the illusion of movement, I employed a technique where body parts were drawn beyond their rest positions for animation. These extended parts would be hidden in the final frames, creating the illusion of movement.

Challenge 2: The characters lacked pre-made facial expressions to animate with.
Solution: I created custom facial expressions to match the illustration style. This involved drawing closed eyes for blinking, open mouths for speaking, and so on.

Challenge 3: Mostly, each scene only had one illustration, restricting camera angles and movement within the frame. This posed a risk of repetitive and stagnant animation, especially for longer scenes requiring the same illustration.
Solutions: I explored creative camera techniques within the single illustration. This involves zooming in and out on specific areas, camera wiggle, and lens blur to create a sense of depth and movement within the scene.
While the background remained static, I animated elements within the illustration. This involves characters changing positions, facial expressions, or subtle actions with props.
To enhance the scene's dynamism, strategic cuts and transitions were employed. This included switching between close-ups, medium shots, and details within a single illustration. Additionally, when the script allowed and for improved flow, elements from the following scene were incorporated. For instance, during a long dialogue scene, a cut to the reaction of the listener (from the next scene)was inserted between shots of the speaker, creating a more engaging back-and-forth visual rhythm.


TECHNICAL DETAILS AND PROCESS
Software and Tools Used
After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Media Encoder.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1) Joining a project after script, illustration, and voice recordings finalization presented a unique challenge. This project highlighted the importance of being involved in script and illustration development for animation projects. Earlier input allows for a more cohesive final product that leverages the strengths of both animation and visuals.
2) This project underscored the crucial role of voice casting in animation. A mismatch between character age and voice acting can significantly impact the overall audience experience. In future projects, ensuring a strong alignment between character design and voice talent will be a priority.