For Approval, an internal Mainframe project.
Simply stated, this graphic is a masterpiece. Not only does it nonchalantly defy the laws of physics, but it also alters the subject matter to the unexpected. I personally find it frustrating, yet highly enjoyable. The reactive approach they used to get viewers engaged with this short clip is genius. I found myself subconsciously guessing on how the next graphic will behave and reacting in different ways after realizing I had guessed wrong.
The colors used are visually pleasing, and the sound by Max Greening is clever and amusing. Using colors and lighting that are not harsh on the eyes and had enough contrast to the background made the objects stand out and allowed the viewer focus on the animated clip. I believe the sounds heightened the overall animated experience. The choice of sounds varied from things that correlated to the graphic (the bounce on the light bulb and waterfall from the glass) to others had more of a twist (water faucet that dispenses a cloth and the deflating sound of the cut “balloon”).
I found the graphic inspiring due to its simplicity and unconventional properties. It took things most people touch and interact with and turned it on its head. It reversed everything we know and made something completely new and creative out of it, allowing the mind to wander and question what we know to be true.
Hi Sofanah: this is indeed a fun watch! I think your observation is spot on as this experimental art piece definitely challenged the viewers across the visual the auditory aesthetic and it is really interesting to see how texture and materiality can be amplified through the animation. I think as designers, it is important to have this “lateral thinking” (which Jesse likes to refer to) that not all forms are static, forms and shapes can be changed and adapted with familiar and novel properties.
That was a fun watch! The balloon one freaked me out, but I loved it. You’re totally right that the mild sense of discomfort it creates, combined with the surprise of subverted expectations, is a really powerful thing. I wonder how often this tactic has been implemented into UX design to increase engagement?