Technique : slow in and slow out

The principle of animation known as "slow in and slow out" refers to the gradual acceleration and deceleration of an object's movement. It is an essential concept in creating realistic and believable animations by mimicking the natural behaviour of objects in motion.

When an object starts moving, it needs to overcome inertia, and the animation starts with a slow increase in speed, resulting in a gradual acceleration. Similarly, when an object comes to a stop, it experiences a gradual decrease in speed, leading to a deceleration. This principle of slow in and slow out adds a sense of weight, realism, and organic movement to an animation, making it more pleasing to the eye.

The primary purpose of employing slow in and slow out animation is to make the motion appear more natural and avoid any sudden or abrupt changes. By applying this principle, an animator can introduce a sense of anticipation and build-up before an action, making it more visually appealing.

For example, when a character jumps off a high platform, the animation would employ slow in and slow out by slowly building up the character's movement before the leap ("slow in"), and then gradually slowing down as the character prepares to land ("slow out"). This technique enhances the viewer's perception of weight and gravity, making the animation more immersive and lifelike.

Additionally, slow in and slow out can be used to emphasise changes in direction or create a sense of inertia. A classic example is a bouncing ball animation, where the ball gradually accelerates as it descends and slows down when it reaches the peak of its bounce. This technique adds a significant amount of dynamic energy to the animation, making it more engaging to watch.

Overall, the principle of slow in and slow out is an essential tool for animators, allowing them to create smooth and realistic motion in their animations. By applying this principle, artists can bring their characters and objects to life, making them appear more natural and believable to the audience.