Animation development ADEV

(modified)

Designing and developing animated and interactive systems such as games, simulations and virtual environments.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Moving to SFIA 9

Guidance notes and level descriptions have been updated to provide contemporary view of this skill
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles
SFIA 8 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change

Guidance notes

(modified)

Animation development enables the creation of visually engaging and interactive experiences for various industries, such as gaming, training, scientific research, and engineering, as well as virtual reality and augmented reality applications.

Components of animation systems include game engine or framework, visual assets (3D models, 2D artwork, animations), audio assets, user interface and user experience components, game logic, data and configuration files, tools and pipelines, documentation and design documents

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

employing animation techniques, including keyframe animation, motion capture, procedural animation, and skeletal animation
using specialised software for rigging, skinning, and animation editing
creating and integrating animations into interactive systems
ensuring integration of animations with game logic, physics, and artificial intelligence systems
optimising animations for performance and adhering to consistency and quality standards.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Animation development: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

(new)

Assists in the creation of basic visual and audio components for animations under routine supervision.

Follows established procedures and guidelines and contributes to the development of simple animations using standard tools.

Helps create and maintain documentation.

Animation development: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

(modified)

Builds visual and audio components using animation software.

Uses design tools to evolve rapid prototypes of interactive systems and user interfaces.

Uses visual design tools and organic modelling techniques to create and animate virtual characters within a game or system design.

Animation development: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(modified)

Builds visual and audio components and integrates them into the system structure.

Uses design tools to evolve rapid prototypes and assess the viability of design concepts for interactive systems and user interfaces.

Uses complex visual design tools and organic modelling techniques to create and animate virtual characters within a game or system design.

Animation development: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

(modified)

Manages iterations of level design and storytelling, documenting the overall flow and architecture of a game or similar system.

Develops conceptual structures into design blueprints to create high-level structures and runtime architectures for websites and virtual environments.

Oversees the integration of animations with game logic, physics, and artificial intelligence systems.

Animation development: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(modified)

Provides overall creative direction in the conception and design of animation products such as games and simulations.

Establishes animation development strategies, pipelines, and quality assurance processes.

Adapts or develops new methods and organisational capabilities and drives adoption of, and adherence to policies and standards.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Large change New level