A storyboard is a visual representation of a story or narrative that helps in planning and organizing various elements such as scenes, actions, and shots. It is typically presented in a sequence of illustrated panels or frames, resembling a comic strip. Each panel depicts a specific scene or moment, along with accompanying notes or descriptions that provide details about the visuals, dialogue, camera angles, and other important elements.
Origins of the storyboard
The origins of storyboarding can be traced back to the early 20th century in the field of animation. Walt Disney and his team are often credited with popularizing the use of storyboards in the 1920s. Disney recognized the value of visually planning out the sequences and scenes of an animated film, and storyboards became an integral part of their production process.
However, the concept of visualizing stories and narratives through sequential images predates Disney. It can be seen in the works of silent filmmakers like Georges Méliès and Winsor McCay, who used sketches and drawings to plan out their films.
The term "storyboard" itself is believed to have originated in the film industry during the 1930s. Filmmakers began using storyboard artists to create visual representations of the script, allowing them to visualize and refine the storytelling elements before production.
Since then, storyboarding has expanded beyond animation and film into various creative industries. It is widely used in advertising, video game development, theater, and even in the planning stages of complex projects such as architectural design and marketing campaigns.
Today, storyboarding remains a valuable tool for planning and visualizing narratives, providing a structured framework for filmmakers, animators, and other creatives to effectively communicate their vision and bring their ideas to life.
Storyboard use cases
Storyboarding is a versatile tool that finds application in various industries and creative endeavors. Here are some common use cases for storyboards:
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Film and Animation
Storyboards play a vital role in pre-production for films, television shows, and animated projects. They help directors and cinematographers plan out shots, camera angles, and sequences. Storyboards are also useful for visual effects planning and ensuring a cohesive visual narrative.
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Theatre and Performing Arts
Storyboards are used in theatrical productions to visualize and plan the staging, blocking, and scene transitions. They assist in coordinating the performances, set design, lighting, and overall production design.
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UX/UI Design and App Development
Storyboards are valuable for designing user experiences and interfaces. They help designers map out user flows, interactions, and screen transitions, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user journey.
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Educational and Training Materials
Storyboards are employed in educational content creation, instructional videos, and e-learning modules. They assist in organizing the information, illustrating concepts, and sequencing the learning materials effectively.
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Architectural and Industrial Design
Storyboards can be utilized to communicate design concepts, spatial layouts, and user experiences in architectural and industrial design projects. They help convey the intended functionality and aesthetics of a space or product.
Storyboarding methods
There is a common misconception about storyboarding that it should be highly detailed, resembling the finished product. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, there are two main methods of storyboarding, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
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Hand-drawn or illustrated
Hand-drawn storyboards do not need to be elaborate works of art; simple sketches can suffice. This method offers the advantage of being quick, easy, and cost-effective to create. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Hand-drawn storyboards are not easily editable or modifiable, making changes or revisions more challenging. Sharing hand-drawn storyboards with a team and collaborating on changes may also require in-person workshops or meetings.
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Online tools or software
In recent years, online storyboarding tools have gained popularity as the preferred method. Virtual storyboarding provides greater flexibility in the creation and revision stages. It offers extensive collaboration opportunities, enabling real-time workshopping and asynchronous collaboration. Additionally, online tools provide access to a wide range of images from the web, streamlining the process. While some dedicated storyboarding software can be expensive, not all online storyboarding tools come with a hefty price tag.
How do you write a storyboard for a product?
Here are some steps you can take to write a storyboard for a product using FigJam's template:
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Identify the main actor
Discuss with your team who the main actor of your story will be. Consider the target personas for your product or business and describe their scenario, needs, and key activities. Provide details and context about the main actor.
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Outline the storyboard journey
Map out the journey of your main actor, starting from what triggers their discovery of your product to the end of their experience. Sketch out the key moments that guide the actor from their initial struggle to a satisfying resolution. Demonstrate how your solution helps them achieve this. Add specific details to each step, including information about who is involved, where it takes place, and what occurs.
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Understand the emotions and insights
Once you have mapped out the actor's journey, delve into their emotions and overall experience. Determine whether the actor is happy, if their struggles are resolved, and visualize their journey to gain valuable insights.
Invite team members to join your board and collaborate. Utilize the @mention feature or video chat to gather input from others. You can also upload various file types like documents, photos, videos, and PDFs to store all relevant information in one central location.
