The brief
Helping disabled students understand what sport and support is available to them
The University of Nottingham’s sports department wanted to better communicate how their offer supports disabled students, both in terms of accessibility and inclusion.
The animation needed to do two things at once. It had to reassure prospective students that sport and activity were genuinely accessible to them, while also acting as a clear signpost for current students who might benefit from the support available.
There was a lot to communicate. Multiple services, different types of support, and a range of ways students could get involved all needed to be covered in a short, engaging piece of content for use across web and social.
The challenge was clarity. Trying to include everything risked overwhelming the audience, while oversimplifying would lose important detail. The balance was between character and information density, creating something that felt engaging and human without turning it into a flat, icon-led presentation.
It also couldn’t feel like an off-brand slideshow. A version that relied too heavily on icons or generic visuals would have stripped away the sense of inclusivity the film needed to convey.
What we did
A mix of character animation and clear visuals to explain things simply
We took a hybrid approach to the animation, combining character-led storytelling with clear, supportive graphic elements.
The core of the piece is built around a 2D character, allowing us to create a sense of relatability and reflect the student experience in a more human way. Alongside this, we used icons and explainer visuals to communicate key information clearly, ensuring the audience could quickly understand what was available and how to access it.
Rather than telling a traditional story, we structured the animation around a logical flow of information, guiding the viewer through the different ways they could engage with sport and activity. Visually, we grounded this in a student journey, with scenes based on real environments to help the animation feel connected to the university experience.
The tone was carefully balanced. It needed to feel friendly and welcoming, while still carrying the authority of the university. This helped position the animation as both supportive and credible.
From a creative point of view, we prioritised visual quality. Strong, considered design was key to maintaining engagement, allowing us to deliver information without overwhelming the viewer. Instead of sacrificing visual interest for clarity, we used design to support it, making the animation feel accessible, engaging, and easy to follow.
The technical
Everything from early ideas through to final animation and sound
Concept
Script development
Storyboarding
Animation
Design
Voiceover
Sound design
The result
An animation that helps students feel included and confident to get involved
The final animation is a clear and engaging guide to inclusive sport at the University of Nottingham, balancing practical information with a strong sense of welcome and belonging.
By combining character-led storytelling with structured information, the animation helps students understand what’s available while also reinforcing that they are supported and included.
The piece has been rolled out across web and social platforms, with positive feedback from the client, and continues to support students in accessing sport and activity across the university.
