My original creative brief called for:

“A 2 – 3 minute infographic video explaining the basic concept and points of the Maui Smart Grid Project,” and outlined roughly how this would be done,

“Simple graphics and animations using available graphics and photo imagery, along with simple animated typographics. No narration. Quick to produce. Doesn’t answer all questions, but intrigues the viewer to want to learn more on the website (call to action).”

The final product that you see here is actually missing the first third of the video that I created – a section that explains the current situation about energy use on Maui with some basic facts from the U.S Department of Energy. The intent was to show the pain, the need, where we’re currently at. Unfortunately, I was asked to cut that, and I feel that the story of the video suffers as a result. This part of the story established why the viewer should care. Without it, the story isn’t as effective and doesn’t communicate as well as it could have.

So, I have mixed feelings about this video. I’m glad it finally got published and I enjoyed working on it, but I feel that it’s watered down and that the best graphics and editing were actually in the first third that was cut. So, I feel that it doesn’t represent my work as well as it could have and I’m disappointed about having to remove it.

The lesson-learned here is that I should have made sure I had approval from all interested parties (and there are A LOT of interested parties in this particular project) much earlier in the process – at the script and storyboard stage vs near the end of production. It reiterates again the importance of those early stages in the process – the script and storyboard and getting things ironed out and approved at that stage before starting production.

Infographics have the potential to engage and visually communicate in a way that normal text can’t. The latest development in visual communication leverages the power and engagement potential of online video with animated infographics using motion graphics software and techniques.

Animated infographic videos are especially well-suited for explaining concepts, ideas, technologies, and issues that are vague or esoteric. Explanatory infographics videos are emerging as a powerful communication format for businesses and organizations.

Along with WordPress consulting and training, my main focus for Digital Splash Media in the future is creating, curating, editing and marketing  infographic videos that explain, inform, or educate. One key component of that, curating, is the purpose of VideoInfographics.com.

So, if you’re a fan of video infographics or find them intriguing, check it out. You can also follow on Twitter by following @infographicvid.