Employee training is critical, but here’s the catch: science shows most of it doesn’t stick. Research reveals that 70% of new information is forgotten within 24 hours without reinforcement—a phenomenon called the forgetting curve. For HR and L&D leaders, this means wasted budgets and underprepared teams. The solution? Animated training videos.
At Sharp Eye Animation, we’ve harnessed the science of retention to create videos that employees actually remember. Here’s how animation beats the brain’s natural fade—and why it’s a game-changer for corporate learning.
The Forgetting Curve: A Retention Roadblock
Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus pioneered the forgetting curve in the 1880s, proving that memory decays fast without effort. Modern studies, like those from The Learning Guild, echo this: employees lose 70% of training content in a day, and up to 90% in a week. Why? The brain filters out unengaging or irrelevant info. Traditional training—think slides or manuals—rarely makes the cut, costing companies an average of $1,286 per employee annually (Training Magazine, 2023) with little to show.
Why Animation Boosts Training Video Retention
Science backs animation as a retention powerhouse. Here’s why it works:
1. Visuals Stick 60,000 Times Faster
The brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text (3M Corporation study). Video takes this further: people retain 95% of a message from video versus 10% from text alone (PopVideo, 2016). Animation simplifies complex ideas—like compliance rules or software demos—into visuals that linger in memory.
2. Engagement Triggers Recall
Engagement isn’t just buzz—it’s science. The Journal of Educational Psychology (2018) found engaged learners retain 40% more. Animation’s vibrant characters, motion, and humor hook attention—90% of employees want fun training (Shortlister, 2022). Our clients, like Sephora, see a 90% return rate because our videos keep learners tuned in.
3. Emotion Anchors Knowledge
The amygdala, the brain’s emotional center, strengthens memory when feelings are involved (Nature Reviews Neuroscience). Animated stories—think a relatable avatar tackling onboarding—create connection. This emotional tie slashes the forgetting curve, making training stick.
4. Microlearning Fits Brain Capacity
Short bursts beat overload. Research shows microlearning (1-5 minutes) boosts retention by 20% (Mentimeter, 2024). Our 1-2 minute training videos deliver bite-sized lessons employees can rewatch, reinforcing without taxing focus.
Animation in Action: Real Results
The science translates to outcomes:
• 42% revenue growth for companies using video training (Shift study)—thanks to better-prepared teams.
• 300% revenue boost for RepairShopr after our animated series streamlined their training.
• 95% recall rate for visual content, per PopVideo, versus static methods.
Compare that to the 70% loss of traditional training. Animation doesn’t just fight the forgetting curve—it rewrites it.
Why HR and L&D Should Bet on Animation
With skills shifting 25% since 2015 (McKinsey), and Gen Z/Millennials (75% of the workforce by 2025) craving visual learning, static training is obsolete. Animated training videos offer:
• Scalability: Custom series for 100 or 10,000 employees, delivered in 2-3 weeks.
• ROI: Higher retention cuts retraining costs.
• Credibility: Our four MarCom Awards and 90% client return rate prove it works.
Make Training Stick with Animation
Don’t let 70% of your training budget vanish. Science shows animated training videos turn forgettable lessons into lasting skills. Ready to see the difference? Contact us here for a chat or explore our award-winning work with brands like Apple and Sephora here. Let’s animate your corporate learning success—frame by frame.
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