In 3D design, "animation" refers to the process of creating motion for 3D models by controlling their position, rotation, or shape changes over time, transforming static designs into dynamic content.
It typically involves two core steps: - **Keyframe definition**: Artists set critical poses (keyframes) at specific time points to establish motion boundaries, such as a character’s arm raise or a car’s turn. - **Interpolation**: Software calculates and fills in movement between keyframes, ensuring smooth transitions for realistic or stylized actions like object transformations or camera pans.
This process connects 3D modeling (static model creation) to applications like films, games, or simulations, making 3D content engaging and narrative-driven.