DIAGRAMS in Motion Graphics
This project explores the design history of the De Havilland Comet, focusing on its early use of rounded rectangular windows, a design choice inherited from train carriages. As the aircraft began reaching higher altitudes and velocities due to its jet-powered engines, these windows became a critical failure point, unable to withstand the intense pressure levels of high-altitude flight.
PART 1 - Technical Details Shot
This is a simple shot of the specifications of the aircraft, gives a simple one card detailing the basic information about the craft.
The above clip shows a comprehensive overview of the De Havilland Comet's technical data.
The specs are in simple text with 3 levels of hierarchy, one for title, one for label of the specs and one for the value of the spec, nothing flashy, very simple basic font is used here which is called Poppins.
The main part here are the diagrams, they are not completely redrawn (except one which you will see below) in after effects or illustrator, instead i've used diagrams form an old research paper about the disasters surrounding the plane.
This is a still image of the above animation
Part 2 - Faults
This part of the animation shows the faults in the aircraft and consequences and the disasters. Two diagrams to show the fault and the third part is a map of the first couple crashes
Part 3 - Depth of Field Effect
This gives a physical camera effect making the motion graphic look more real. It gives me a way to shift the focus point throughout the sequence, I am able to guide the viewer’s eye precisely across the frame, enhancing the narrative flow and adding a sense of depth and realism to the technical diagrams.
Part 4 - The Re-Drawn Diagram
This one diagram was completely re-drawn in after effects using the pen tool.
Small animation showing the change of the windows from rectangular to rounded
I drew this completely mainly for the second part of the shot as it it quite zoomed in and I needed no pixelation, so I needed a vector image which I couldn't find online and basically had to make one myself. I have decent enough experience with the pen tool so this took me around 30-40 minutes from drawing the whole thing to adjusting stroke value for all the line groups.
de Havilland Comet side profile diagram - hand drawn
To maintain a budget-conscious approach, I limited the motion of the diagrams, focusing instead on subtle transitions of lines and text. These movements were designed to mimic the tactile feel of physical markings on paper, adding a sense of authenticity to the animations.
