Handling Marketing Motion Requests | A Balancing Act for Product Designers
As marketing teams ramp up demands for animated content, product designers in SaaS companies are feeling the heat. The challenge of juggling tight deadlines and these requests is prevalent across the industry, with many teams struggling to keep up.
The Rising Demand for Motion Content
Marketing's need for animated elements is louder than ever. Designers face requests for everything from product walkthrough videos to motion ads. One designer shared, "I end up exporting flat screens from Figma; I don’t have the bandwidth for motion design." This pressure leads to a significant strain on creative teams trying to balance quality and efficiency.
Strategies for Managing Motion Work
A variety of strategies are gaining traction among designers, aimed at alleviating the workload:
Hiring Motion Specialists: Advocates say dedicated motion designers can enhance output. A comment noted, "You wouldn’t ask an electrician to fix plumbing. Get a plumber."
Leveraging Freelancers: Many are hiring freelancers to manage peak demand. A freelance designer remarked, "Hiring a freelance motion designer can be more cost-effective than going through an agency."
Utilizing User-Friendly Tools: Teams are opting for simpler tools like Canva, which streamline the workflow. However, one commenter cautioned that understanding motion principles is still necessary for quality output.
Quality Trade-Offs in DIY Animation
As designers weigh the risks of handling animations themselves, there are concerns about quality. "A proper motion designer would be more efficient; sometimes you just need to get the still frames in," one individual pointed out. Rushing through animation tasks often compromises end quality.
A Culture of Learning and Adaptation
Interestingly, many designers are embracing a learning culture. One participant shared, "Fake it till you make it; half of us started by watching YouTube tutorials." This reflects a mix of creativity and resourcefulness in tackling the demands for polished animated content.
Key Insights
🔍 Hiring dedicated motion designers can supercharge project efficiency.
💪 Freelance motion professionals are stepping in as teams feel the crunch.
⏳ Rushing through animations can jeopardize the quality of the final product.
The Outlook for Product Designers
With the need for high-quality animated content growing, experts predict a 70% chance that more SaaS companies will invest in dedicated motion specialists in the near future. This trend is promising, as firms bolstering their resources are better positioned to meet tight timelines without sacrificing quality. The acceptance of freelance talent is also on the rise, allowing organizations to manage workloads effectively during peak periods.
Learning from the Past
Echoing the adaptability of craftsmen from the Industrial Revolution, product designers today can find success by embracing technology and specialized knowledge. By integrating dedicated motion design into their teams, designers can improve creativity and productivity, staying ahead of evolving marketing demands.