ID405
Applications of Motion Design
Faculty
Po-Chen Chia
Freelance motion director and animator
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
Motion Design is a discipline that takes graphic design principles and applies them to video production through the use of animation and visual effects. From the analogue experimental films of the 1920s to the digital interfaces we interact with today, the evolution of motion media has always been closely tied to that of technology. Thus, it is an exciting field that combines animation and graphic design principles with new cutting-edge technologies.
Learning highlights
- Introduce students to the fundamentals of 2D After Effects animation.
- Students will learn to problem-solve with motion and learn to apply purposeful animations.
- Students will experiment with a variety of animations (shapes, typography, images, videos).
- Students will examine the history of Motion Design, Animation, and Film.
- Students will learn to keep projects and files organized.
- Students are expected to document their process and explain their thinking process (mood boards, visual references, sketches, style frames, work in progress renders).
- Students will learn from my co-workers and my experiences in the creative industry (Q&As).
- Students are expected to spend time outside of class for tutorials and work on their weekly projects.
Course outline
15 classes
Session 1
- Intro and course overview
- Lecture: What is Motion Design?
- Project 1 Brief
- In-Class Exercise: stop-motion
Session 2
- Lecture: Frame Rates
- Lecture: Animation Principles
- After Effects overview
- Work session and homework
Session 3
- Lecture: Animation and Film History
- After Effects demo
- Work session and homework
Session 4
- After Effects demo
- Work session and homework
Session 5
- Project 1 Rough Cut Critique
- Lecture: Kinds of Animations
- Project 2 Brief
- After Effects Demo
- Work session and homework
Session 6
- Project 1 Presentations
- Lecture: Transitions
- After Effects Demo
- Work session and homework
Session 7
- Lecture: Kinetic Type
- After Effects Demo
- Work session and homework
Session 8
- Lecture: Production Process
- After Effects Demo
- Work session and homework
Session 9
- Lecture: Editing & Cinematography
- After Effects Demo
- Work session and homework
Session 10
- Project 3 Brief
- After Effects Demo
- Project 2 Rough Cut Critique
- Work session and homework
Session 11
- Project 2 Presentations
- Work session and homework
Session 12
- Lecture: UI Animation continue
- Work session and homework
Session 13
- Lecture: Abstract Film
- Project 3 Rough Cut Critique
- Work session and homework
Session 14
- After Effects Demo
- Work session and homework
Session 15
- Turn in Project 3.
- Final takeaways and feedback.
Prerequisites
Animation, especially while learning a new software, can take up a lot of time outside of class.
Since this class can be time consuming and focuses on individual learning through trial and error, I would not recommend doubling up with 2 classes. The most successful students from the previous modules are the ones that put in the time working with After Effects.
Have a basic understanding of Figma. We will be using Figma as the main source for project briefs and showcasing project ideas (mood boards, visual references, sketches, style frames).
Try out After Effects before module starts. Because of how fast-paced the module is and how complex AE can get, it’ll be super beneficial for the students to watch a couple of these After Effects overview videos. By doing this, they can get a head start with some basic After Effects before we get into it during class.
Software to install before class - Figma (Desktop app) - Adobe Creative Cloud - Adobe After Effects v24 - Adobe Media Encoder v24 - Google Drive / Google Classroom
Students should have AE installed and make sure their computers have 15 - 100 GB of free space.
Methodology
Three weekly individual projects with graded assignments due everyday before class starts. (concept, storyboard, design, work in progress, animation, and presentations).
Project 1: Abstract Grid - Abstract geometric composition.
Project 2: Transitions - Transition between two different layouts .
Project 3: Open Brief - Continue to explore AE animations in individual proposed projects.
Class project critiques + feedbacks.
Work in progress check-ins with an hour or two in-class work time.
Hands-on demos and lectures covering topics about motion history related to the weekly project.
General Class Structure
-30-60 mins lecture - 20 mins break -After Effects Demo -Check-ins and critiques -In-class work time + questions
Grading
Po is a freelance motion director and animator based in NYC & London. He has worked with a variety of brands, studios, and agencies in the United States and abroad. Over the years, Po has solved problems through design and motion with clients such as Google, Meister, Duolingo, Squarespace, Airbnb, Buck, and others.
See full profileApply for this course
Applications of Motion Design
by Po-Chen Chia
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Dec 01 - Dec 19, 2025
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.