What are your go-to techniques for simplifying complex topics into easily digestible visuals and narratives in an animated explainer?

To simplify complex topics in animated explainers, I:

1. Identify Core Message: Focus on the main idea and remove unnecessary details.

2. Use Metaphors and Analogies: Relate concepts to familiar ideas.

3. Break it Down Step-by-Step: Present information in clear, sequential parts.

4. Employ Simple Visuals: Use icons and illustrations that represent ideas clearly.

5. Keep Language Concise: Use straightforward, jargon-free language.

To make complex topics easier in animations, start with the main idea and keep your audience in mind. Use simple comparisons and a consistent style to make ideas clear. Planning starts with storyboards and break information into smaller parts. Balance text with clear narration, reveal details gradually, and improve based on feedback to keep it engaging and understandable

Transforming complexity into clarity has always been the core of my approach to animated explainers.

1- Break It Down, Layer by Layer: I dissect complex ideas into smaller, essential parts. This allows me to create visuals that address each component step-by-step, making it easier for viewers to follow along.

2- Leverage Storytelling and Visual Hierarchy: Using a clear narrative structure combined with visual hierarchy, I guide the viewer’s attention exactly where it needs to be, emphasizing key points without overwhelming them.

Simplify with Visual Metaphors: Complex concepts often need visual metaphors to make them relatable and intuitive. By turning abstract ideas into familiar images, I make the message stick.

This method always keeps each element purposeful, ensuring viewers grasp the content quickly and retain it.

Here’s how I simplify complex topics for my videos:

Know Your Audience: Tailor content to their understanding.

Key Messages: Stick to 2-3 main points.

Clear Structure: Use a simple flow—Introduction, Problem, Solution, Conclusion.

Visual Metaphors: Relate complex ideas to simple visuals.

Clean Graphics: Keep designs simple and focused.

Dynamic Animation: Show ideas in action.

Consistent Style: Use a unified look throughout.

Friendly Voiceover: Use an engaging tone.

Real-life Examples: Make it relatable.

Recap: End with a quick summary.

Get Feedback: Share drafts for input.

First, you need to talk to the client to make sure that their idea has been understood. Then, tell the client what I plan to do in that segment of the video.
As a technique, I usually make a small diagram so that the client can understand it.
The most common techniques are:
1-Take phrase by phrase from the script and put it into the video.
2-Highly understandable diagrams.

Simplifying complex topics is challenging but essential to making abstract concepts easy to understand.

A key tip for SaaS explainers: simplify the design of the platform. Using full screenshots can overwhelm viewers and distract from the core message. Instead, I prefer to redesign key elements of the platform, highlighting only what’s necessary to keep the focus clear and the narrative engaging!

Begin with the essentials—break down the idea to its main point. Use examples or comparisons that are easy to understand. Images need to be clear and simple, use symbols, basic pictures, and easy changes to tell the story. Keep the information short and friendly, add some humor or fun to keep it interesting. More simple, so avoid too much detail, let the images explain!