What is Animation in digital design?

Animation in digital design refers to the technique of creating the illusion of movement by displaying a sequence of still images, or frames, in rapid succession. This concept is rooted in the persistence of vision, where the human eye perceives a series of images as continuous motion when presented quickly enough. By manipulating the timing and sequencing of these still images, designers can produce animations that express complex ideas, convey stories, or simply entertain.

Choosing the method using rapid still images to create movement captures the essence of animation well. In many contexts, this is essential for creating engaging visual content, whether in films, video games, or online media. Other options, while relevant to aspects of digital design, do not fully encompass the definition and fundamental principles of animation. For instance, a static image is non-animated and does not fit the definition, a single real-time video file implies a lack of editing which contradicts how animated sequences are traditionally assembled, and combining audio and visual elements speaks to multimedia production rather than strictly animation itself.