The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Animation development ADEV

(modified)

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

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

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.

Levels

Defined at these levels: 2 3 4 5 6

Animation development: Level 1

This skill is not typically observed when working at this level of responsibility.

Animation development: Level 2

(new)

Assists in creating basic animations and visual components using animation tools.

Uses established workflows and guidelines for animation development.

Animation development: Level 3

(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

(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

(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

(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.

Animation development: Level 7

This skill is not typically observed when working at this level of responsibility.