Context:

Animation in Virtual Reality (VR) is a new media that is becoming more widely adopted in the profession. It is inherently different than standard animation and presents a myriad of new storytelling and technical challenges and opportunities.

 

Below are examples of storyboards and their resulting VR animations. Click on each image below to view a larger version and the animation.

NOTE: After the video begins playing, you can use your mouse to click and drag on the video to investigate the space.

 
 
 
 
 

Goals:

  • Visualize a story taking place in an environment.

  • Layout and plan the animation prior to beginning development in 3d.

  • Address the following challenges specific to VR animation:

    1. The viewer can look in any direction; therefore, new visual and audio cues must be implemented to direct the viewer's attention.

    2. Account for factors that influence motion sickness, vertigo, and feelings of disembodiment.

    3. Appropriately implement depth cues and field of view become major factors in laying out the animation.

  • Create a VR animation based on the storyboards/planning documents.

 
 
 

 Teaching activities leading to student work:

  • Prior to students developing their storyboards, little direction is given on current conventions in storyboarding for VR. This is due to a current lack of standardization and no single solution. The students are tasked to develop a method that works best for them. This is followed-up with in-class discussion and critique to evaluate the methods developed. Comparisons are then made with some current techniques used in professional practice.

  • Lecture and interactive in-class activities to identify limitations in VR, manipulate field of view, direct a viewer’s attention with visual and audio cues, appreciate frame rate limitations, discuss variables that lead to motion sickness.

  • Lecture on appropriate speed of motion, and distances from the viewer to create a comfortable experience.

 
 

 Significance of the student learning as a result of the assignment.

  • Develop a 2d storyboard of their own style for an immersive 3d animation.

  • Critically examine and evaluate their peers' methods, as well as some industry VR storyboard styles. 

  • Identify limitations and advantages of using VR versus traditional animation and still images.

  • Create an immersive animation with audio for a VR Headset and online deployment.

  • Gain experience and proficiency with a new rapidly growing area of animation in the field.