Snapshot from a molecular process animation
When presenting a complex matter at trial, animations are the most effective way to communicate that information to the jury. While attorneys know animations are valuable courtroom tools, they are often unfamiliar with the creation process behind them. Many think that it is a simple matter of telling the graphic designer what they want, then sitting back and waiting for the final product to arrive. However, animations require the input and attention of key stakeholders throughout the development process to ensure accuracy and the desired outcome.
These key stakeholders include the lead attorney and the expert consultant. It is not uncommon for attorneys to allow the experts to steer the development process. However, while they are experts in their field, they are not experienced in presenting a case to a jury, and you may end up with an overly complex animation that is difficult to comprehend.
As lead attorney, you are familiar with the needs of your target audience. It is important for you to stay involved to ensure the final product is informative without being overly complex, and helps strengthen your case theory. (Luckily, overseeing the process can be as simple as reviewing animation drafts and sitting in on conference calls.)
For example: One case our team worked on involved a highly complex chemical process. A chemical engineer was brought in to help develop the animation of this process. The engineer wanted to bring a level of detail to the animation that would have been too confusing for the audience to follow, defeating its purpose. The lead attorney, who had remained involved from the beginning, spotted the problem and was able to request revisions to simplify the animation right away. By working with both the attorney and the chemical engineer, the designer was able to create an animation that both demonstrated the chemical process and was easy for the audience understand.
While you don’t want to give your expert free reign over the project, their involvement is crucial to both the success of your animation and its admissibility in the courtroom. Animations must be validated by an expert or witness before being entered into evidence. While a graphic designer of animator can testify to the creation of the animation, they cannot testify to its content.
Create Powerful, Effective Courtroom Animations with Precise
Precise’s graphic design experts can help you create a dynamic animation, whether your firm is located in Alabama or on the West Coast. Don’t hesitate to contact us – there are many benefits to starting trial animations early. Call us today to gain the technological leverage you need at an affordable price.
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