Learn some innovative ways to animate medical and scientific data using 3D models, data visualization, storytelling, metaphors, and motion graphics.

3D models in medicine is not new, but new innovations hold promise for enhancing patient care, such as photorealistic 3D rendering and 3D printing. 3D modelling of patient-specific anatomy can be helpful for clinicians, acting as a reference during surgery, for example. It can also improve patient communication, enabling more informed consent. 3D VR involves taking a volume dataset, like CT or MR, and using segmentation and VR techniques to provide a virtual 3D view of the anatomy. New technologies and automated image segmentation is driving efficiency gains and simplify the process of learning 3D segmentation tools. A personal favourite approach is using multiphase data for 4D image display, eg., for internal heart structures on CTCA.

What are some innovative ways to animate medical and scientific data?

Medical and scientific data can be complex, abstract, and hard to visualize. Animation can help make it more engaging, understandable, and memorable. But how can you create animations that are both accurate and appealing? Here are some innovative ways to animate medical and scientific data, along with some examples and tips.

1 Use 3D models

One way to animate medical and scientific data is to use 3D models that represent the shape, structure, and movement of the objects or phenomena you want to show. For example, you can use 3D models to illustrate the anatomy of a human body, the function of a cell, or the evolution of a planet. 3D models can create a realistic and immersive effect, as well as allow you to manipulate the perspective, lighting, and depth of field. To create 3D models, you can use software like Blender, Maya, or Cinema 4D, or you can import existing models from online sources like Sketchfab or BioDigital.

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Paige Ward

Clinical Business & Product Leader | MBA, Medical Imaging MSc
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3D models in medicine is not new, but new innovations hold promise for enhancing patient care, such as photorealistic 3D rendering and 3D printing. 3D modelling of patient-specific anatomy can be helpful for clinicians, acting as a reference during surgery, for example. It can also improve patient communication, enabling more informed consent. 3D VR involves taking a volume dataset, like CT or MR, and using segmentation and VR techniques to provide a virtual 3D view of the anatomy. New technologies and automated image segmentation is driving efficiency gains and simplify the process of learning 3D segmentation tools. A personal favourite approach is using multiphase data for 4D image display, eg., for internal heart structures on CTCA.

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Melton Cartes 🪬🍉🇨🇱

30 Years of Experience as an Enthusiastic Creative Director, Art Director, Copywriter, Animator, and 3D Modeler
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No matter how often we produce "movies" each new one requires a new invention or innovation. While we can repurpose or cannibalize elements used in previous productions, the majority of the work is "bespoke." This question is absurd from the outset given that "innovation" happens when you gather talented people with a common goal and set them free to do their work. So, YES to All of the Above. Or: Use 3D models...unless not. Use data visualization...unless not. Use storytelling...unless not. Use metaphors...unless not. Use motion graphics...unless not. Here’s what else to consider: Don't look for cookie-cutter solutions, unless you're making cookies. Innovation is not turn-key.

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2 Use data visualization

Another way to animate medical and scientific data is to use data visualization techniques that transform numbers, statistics, or patterns into visual forms. For example, you can use data visualization to show the trends, correlations, or distributions of health indicators, environmental factors, or social phenomena. Data visualization can help you highlight the key insights, comparisons, or relationships in your data, as well as make it more attractive and interactive. To create data visualization, you can use tools like Tableau, Power BI, or D3.js, or you can follow some best practices like choosing the right chart type, color scheme, and layout.

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3 Use storytelling

A third way to animate medical and scientific data is to use storytelling elements that connect the data to a narrative, context, or emotion. For example, you can use storytelling to explain the causes, effects, or solutions of a medical or scientific problem, to share the experiences or perspectives of a patient or researcher, or to inspire curiosity or action in your audience. Storytelling can help you make your data more relevant, relatable, and persuasive, as well as capture the attention and interest of your viewers. To create storytelling, you can use techniques like creating a hook, a plot, and a climax, using characters, voice, and sound effects, and adding humor, suspense, or surprise.

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Joshua Omole

Co-founder @ Adsynthetica | Product management, Innovation Development | Consultant | Futurist #Tech #AI #marketing #Ads
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Leveraging storytelling to animate medical and scientific data is like crafting a captivating tale with facts. Imagine your data as characters, each contributing to the plot of discovery. Weaving a narrative helps simplify complex information, making it accessible to all, just like a favorite bedtime story. Through this approach, you turn data into an engaging journey, guiding your audience through the fascinating world of science with ease.

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4 Use metaphors

A fourth way to animate medical and scientific data is to use metaphors that compare the data to something familiar, concrete, or symbolic. For example, you can use metaphors to simplify the complexity or scale of a medical or scientific concept, to illustrate the similarities or differences between two phenomena, or to convey a message or meaning in your data. Metaphors can help you make your data more accessible, memorable, and creative, as well as stimulate the imagination and association of your audience. To create metaphors, you can use analogies, examples, or icons that relate to your data, or you can brainstorm some original or unexpected comparisons.

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5 Use motion graphics

A fifth way to animate medical and scientific data is to use motion graphics that combine text, images, shapes, and colors into dynamic and fluid animations. For example, you can use motion graphics to emphasize the key points, facts, or quotes in your data, to create transitions, effects, or animations that enhance your data, or to create a consistent and coherent visual style for your data. Motion graphics can help you make your data more eye-catching, informative, and aesthetic, as well as create a sense of rhythm and movement in your animation. To create motion graphics, you can use software like After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Animate, or you can follow some principles like timing, easing, and spacing.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some innovative ways to animate medical and scientific data?

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2

3

4

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1 Use 3D models

2 Use data visualization

3 Use storytelling

4 Use metaphors

5 Use motion graphics

6 Here’s what else to consider

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What are some innovative ways to animate medical and scientific data?

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2

3

4

5

6

1 Use 3D models

2 Use data visualization

3 Use storytelling

4 Use metaphors

5 Use motion graphics

6 Here’s what else to consider

Creativity Skills

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