BBC News – Motion Components

Motion Components

BBC News - Six n' Ten

I developed a series of motion components and templates for the BBC’s 6 and 10 o’clock news broadcasts, marking the first time a design system was introduced directly into the production pipeline. This innovation streamlined the workflow, enabling consistent use of motion easing and animations across all segments. The new system significantly reduced production time while ensuring a cohesive and polished look for every broadcast.

As both the Lead Motion Designer and an After Effects Developer, I was responsible for designing and implementing the motion system, which included coding dynamic expressions directly into After Effects. This dual role meant that I not only handled the visual design elements but also developed the underlying technical framework that automated key components of the system. The goal was to ensure that the design system seamlessly integrated into the BBC’s existing production workflow, reducing manual labor while maintaining the BBC’s high standards for visual consistency and brand alignment.

Understanding the team’s production workflow and challenges was critical. I worked closely with the team to analyze their existing pipeline, tools, and daily pain points. This research informed the development of motion components that not only enhanced the visual style but also streamlined the process. By incorporating motion easing and automation directly into After Effects, I eliminated the need for repetitive tasks and simplified complex animations, allowing the production team to apply consistent motion effects without manual adjustments.

Once the system was fully developed, I provided hands-on training to the production team, ensuring they could easily adapt to the new workflow. I also offered ongoing support during the transition to maintain productivity while meeting tight deadlines. The system was designed to be intuitive, allowing team members to quickly integrate the motion components into their workflow without extensive retraining. My role as an After Effects Developer was crucial here, as the system's functionality relied on my coding expertise to automate tasks that previously required time-consuming manual work.

The new motion system became an integral part of the production pipeline, delivering consistent, high-quality visuals while drastically reducing production time. The automation and dynamic templates allowed the team to scale their efforts and maintain a consistent visual identity across broadcasts. The system was not only praised for its creative flexibility but also for its technical efficiency, ultimately setting a new standard for motion design integration in BBC’s news broadcasts.