KNB105 Animation Principles


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:KNB105
Credit points:12
Equivalent:KNB135
Coordinator:Michael Linhart | michael.linhart@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces the core principles of character animation and how animators bring movement to life. You will explore how animators observe, analyse and translate real-world movement into expressive animated movement. Through the study of key animation principles and influential texts, you will examine how movement is broken down, interpreted and reconstructed between the frames. You will apply these concepts through practical exercises that focus on core animation principles, weight, balance and locomotion. By experimenting with constructed character motion, you will develop the skills needed to create believable animated movement. These foundations will support your development as a character animator and prepare you for more advanced animation practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Analyse animation principles in relation to historical and contemporary animation practices, and how they inform the construction of motion and meaning.
  2. Apply fundamental animation principles to construct motion, demonstrating control of timing, spacing, weight, balance and arcs in animated sequences.
  3. Translate observed or referenced movement into animated form through iterative processes of blocking, refinement and evaluation.
  4. Create animated sequences that communicate clear action, intention and basic performance through the effective use of animation principles.
  5. Reflect on animation processes and outcomes, demonstrating awareness of personal creative development and ethical considerations in animation practice.

Content

The content of this unit focuses on the foundational theory and practice of animation principles and how movement is constructed for animated forms. It includes the study of how animators observe and analyse real-world motion, examining how timing, weight, balance and arcs shape believable movement. The unit introduces the twelve principles of animation, focusing on how these are applied to construct motion frame by frame and how they influence clarity, energy and expression.

The content explores how movement can be simplified, broken down and reconstructed for animation, including the translation of real-world motion into stylised animated forms. It also includes approaches to observation, reference gathering and iterative refinement, such as thumbnailing and motion studies.

Practical components include a series of animation exercises that apply key principles such as timing, spacing, squash and stretch, anticipation and follow-through. These activities support the development of believable motion and an understanding of the relationship between keyframes and animated sequences.

The unit also supports critical and creative thinking in animation practice, including analysing movement, solving problems through iteration and understanding how animation principles underpin all forms of animated media.

The ethical and practical applications of Gen-AI are openly discussed with you as part of content delivery. In this unit, you will explore the methods and considerations involved in using Gen-AI as part of an evolving academic writing toolset. Gen-AI tools are positioned as supplementary to, not replacements for, core animation production methods, and should be engaged with only after a firm understanding of key principles, techniques and concepts within the unit has been established.

 

 

Learning Approaches

Learning is facilitated through lectures and workshops that focus on the theoretical foundations of animation principles and the construction of movement. Lectures introduce key concepts such as timing, spacing, weight and the twelve principles of animation, while workshops support discussion and analysis of how these ideas underpin animated motion and how Animators think and reconstruct movements into animated forms.
The unit emphasises conceptual understanding of how movement is constructed, with practical animation exercises used to reinforce and apply these principles through the creation of simple animated sequences.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways: 

  • formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials;  
  • summative feedback emanating from assessed work;  
  • discussions and commentary throughout the semester in addition to criteria sheets for grading.

Assessment

Overview

In this unit, you will develop a strong connection between animation theory and practical animation exercises that build your understanding of how animators construct movement. The three assessments support your progressive development of both conceptual understanding and practical skills, with a focus on the twelve principles of animation and the theoretical foundations of motion.
In the first assessment, you will apply the twelve principles of animation through a series of short exercises, exploring how animators construct movement frame by frame. This task focuses on your understanding of core animation theory and how it shapes the construction of believable motion.


In the second assessment, you will examine how animators understand and construct movement through key animation theories and principles. Focusing on concepts such as perception, timing, spacing, weight and energy, you will analyse real-world motion and investigate how it is simplified, abstracted and reconstructed for animation. Through visual analysis, you will demonstrate how animation principles inform this process and how animators think when creating movement. In the final assessment, you will apply these theoretical concepts through the creation of a short character animation, demonstrating how animation principles and motion analysis inform believable and expressive character movement. Throughout the semester, tutorials provide opportunities for critique and discussion, where you will present work-in-progress for feedback and refinement. Formative feedback will support your development of both conceptual understanding and your ability to apply animation theory through practice.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Animation Principles Exercises

Students complete a series of short animation exercises exploring key animation principles such as squash and stretch, anticipation, follow-through, arcs and timing. These exercises emphasise how animators construct movement frame by frame and how different principles influence the clarity and believability of motion.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Weight: 30
Length: between 8 to 12 examples of animation principles
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 5
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Motion Study

In this assessment, you will examine how animators understand and construct movement through key animation theories and principles. Focusing on concepts such as perception, timing, spacing, weight and energy, you will explore how movement is analysed, simplified and reconstructed to create believable motion. Drawing on real-world references, you will apply these ideas through a motion study that investigates how observed movement can be translated into animated form. Using visual analysis, you will identify and reconstruct the essential components of motion, demonstrating how animation principles inform this process. The task emphasises how animators think, how movement is deconstructed, abstracted and rebuilt rather than simply describing what is seen.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Weight: 30
Length: 5 min (Video essay)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 9
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 4

Assessment: Character Motion Study

In this assessment, you will apply key principles of animation and motion analysis through the creation of a short character animation using a simple character. Drawing on the observational studies and animation exercises developed earlier in the semester, you will construct animated movement that demonstrates timing, weight, balance and expressive motion. The project focuses on applying theoretical principles of animation in practice to produce believable character movement and basic performance.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Weight: 40
Length: 10-15 seconds of animation
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement). 

This unit involves substantial computer-based work. You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Costs

In this unit you may be required to use a WACOM CINTIQ tablet pen (approx. $170). (Staff will advise on suitable version/model in Week 1.) There are a limited number of pens supplied however, students are advised to purchase their own. 

Software costs: Toon Boom Harmony is a key software tool used in this unit. While the software can be accessed within the QUT computer labs, it is advantageous to have access on your personal computer. Cost can change approximately $15-$30 per month. 

Resources

Refer to the unit’s Canvas Learning Resources for links to additional learning materials.

24-hour labs are accessible - on campus – during term time.

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Thomas, F., & Johnston, O. (1981). Disney animation: The illusion of life. Los Angeles, CA: Disney Editions.

Williams, R. (2012). The animator's survival kit: a manual of methods, principles and formulas for classical, computer, games, stop motion and internet animators. Macmillan.

Recommended text(s)

Walking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAMtmK7ObkA

Wells, Paul. 1998. Understanding Animation. London, Routledge.

Wells, Paul. 2002. Animation : Genre and Authorship. London: Wallflower.

Software

Toon Boom Harmony

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information. 

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Every effort is made by QUT staff to ensure that you work in a safe environment. Conversely, you are expected to follow all safety rules, procedures and directions, and to ensure that you do not put at risk the safety of others, or yourself, or of the highest artistic fulfilment of the project in any way.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BA01 Bachelor of Arts

  1. Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply knowledge about society, culture and technology, for a range of contexts, audiences and purposes.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  2. Recognise, develop and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through critical and creative processes.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  4. Communicate to diverse audiences using a range of modes and technologies to share and disseminate knowledge, skills and ideas.
    Relates to: ULO4, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  5. Work productively as a reflective learner, team member and collaborator to achieve goals and to build personal and professional networks and develop entrepreneurial thinking in community and workplace contexts.
    Relates to: ULO5, Character Motion Study

CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts

  1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO5, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO4, ULO5
  6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
    Relates to: ULO3, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  8. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO5, Animation Principles Exercises, Motion Study, Character Motion Study
  9. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
    Relates to: ULO5
  10. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: Motion Study, Character Motion Study

IN05 Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments

  1. Demonstrate broad knowledge of games and interactive environments principles and theory, with an in-depth knowledge of one games-related discipline.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Motion Study
  2. Apply creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate solutions to design challenges.
    Relates to: ULO2, Character Motion Study
  3. Communicate complex concepts at all stages of the development cycle to specialist and non-specialist audiences in written, oral and interactive visual formats.
    Relates to: Animation Principles Exercises
  4. Critically reflect on social, ethical, cultural, legal and accessibility issues in the context of games and interactive environments, including as they relate to First Nations Australians.
    Relates to: ULO4