The Power of Animation in Training: A Surprising Engagement Factor
Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the stark difference in engagement between animation-based training and traditional training videos. The realization dawned on me somewhat humorously during a demo of my new bathroom training video to a prospective client. In the past, when showcasing my older videos—professionally crafted by former employees of Steven Spielberg—I noticed that while people were initially impressed, their attention waned within 30 seconds to a minute. They would begin chatting, their focus drifting away from the content.
Having viewed the new bathroom training video around 25 times during its creation and final edits, I was admittedly apprehensive. No matter how excellent the content, repetition breeds familiarity, and familiarity can lead to boredom. So, during my first live demo via Zoom last week, I watched my prospects closely, worried about monopolizing their time. To my surprise, they remained fully engaged—not once did they glance at their phones or computers. Even with their positive expressions, I assumed four minutes in that they had seen enough. I offered to skip ahead, just show the steps, or stop altogether. Astonishingly, they requested to watch the entire video, which is 33 minutes long. Both the owner and manager remained captivated throughout, ultimately rating it a 9 out of 10. They mentioned they would have given it a perfect score if it featured their specific tools, products, and actions. After a light-hearted discussion on the cost implications of such customization, they noted that the editable manual included in the training program addressed these needs perfectly. They praised the animated video for its detail, accuracy, and, most importantly, its engaging nature.
An even more surprising reaction occurred just yesterday. We hosted 11 friends, all in their mid-70s, for a boat outing and dinner. Curious, I decided to show them the animated videos. To my amazement, most remained engaged for at least four minutes before the usual conversation ensued, at which point I turned the video off. Then, to my surprise, one of my friends, clearly engrossed, exclaimed, “Hey, I was watching that!” She was serious, and I had to restart the video so she could finish it. By the end, she had insightful questions about the processes shown. Who would have thought that animated training videos could captivate an audience like this?
The effectiveness of animated videos in training is supported by research. A study by Viostream indicates that online video learning can improve retention rates by 25-60%, compared to just 8-10% for face-to-face learning. While these figures vary based on context, audience, and content, there is growing evidence that animated videos often achieve higher retention rates than traditional live-action videos. As I watched my written script transform into an animated video, I began to appreciate the inherent advantages of animation. The skill of the animator is crucial, of course, but the medium itself brings something unique to the table. In my previous video, which featured a live demonstration by Keri, a human trainer, certain details were challenging to convey. I ended up creating a second video to clarify the strategic steps for cleaning each area. Animation, on the other hand, distilled these complex concepts into clear, easily digestible visuals through metaphors, dynamic graphics, and creative storytelling. The novelty and creativity inherent in animation not only clarify but also captivates, maintaining the trainee’s attention far better than traditional methods. While live-action videos offer authenticity and relatability, they often struggle to engage, particularly with content as straightforward as cleaning instructions.
In conclusion, animated videos not only have the potential for higher retention rates than traditional live-action videos but are also far more enjoyable to watch. But don’t just take my word for it—experience it for yourself. Our on our site. Why not order our free trial now, and see the difference animation can make in training. I’d love to hear your thoughts at sltinberg@housecleanerstraining.com. If you’re interested in a demo, feel free to reach out, and we can arrange a time.