Stanford Nuclear Diplomacy Simulation
Creating an educational animation that brings complex international relations concepts to life
Creating an educational animation that brings complex international relations concepts to life
Working with Fascination Lab®, an academic and creative organization specializing in educational experiences, I directed and animated a comprehensive educational video for Stanford University's internal curriculum. The project centered on explaining a complex Nuclear Diplomacy simulation designed to teach students about international relations, conflict resolution, and diplomatic strategy.
The video served dual purposes: as an instructional tool for students participating in the simulation and as a marketing asset for Stanford University. My work involved translating complex simulation concepts into an engaging visual narrative accessible to students while maintaining educational rigor. This project required balancing technical animation skills with educational design principles to create content that was both informative and visually compelling.
Create an engaging, instructional animated video explaining Stanford's Nuclear Diplomacy simulation to students.
2 months (September - November 2021)
Director, Animator, UI Designer
Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Figma
This project presented several significant challenges that required innovative solutions and perseverance to overcome. Working as the sole animator with limited resources, I had to navigate both technical constraints and stakeholder management issues.
To overcome these challenges, I adopted a proactive and multi-disciplinary approach that leveraged my technical versatility and problem-solving skills.
Designing an intuitive UI for the simulation was crucial for helping students understand the complex diplomatic scenarios
Creating an educational animation that effectively communicated the Nuclear Diplomacy simulation required a structured approach that balanced educational content delivery with engaging visual storytelling. My process combined design thinking with animation principles to develop a comprehensive educational video.
I began by thoroughly analyzing the provided script to understand the core educational concepts that needed to be visualized. This included identifying key simulation mechanics, participant roles, and learning objectives. Based on this analysis, I developed a content plan that organized information into logical sequences for optimal comprehension.
When I discovered that the simulation interface hadn't been designed yet, I took the initiative to create a complete UI system in Figma. This involved designing website mockups, chat interfaces, role selection screens, and various simulation elements that would appear in the animation. I focused on creating designs that were both visually appealing and clearly communicated the simulation's functionality.
Working with an unstable Windows system and Adobe software required strategic planning to prevent work loss and ensure efficiency. I developed a modular animation workflow, breaking the project into manageable segments that could be rendered independently. This minimized the risk of technical failures affecting the entire project. I implemented frequent manual saves and backup systems to protect work in progress.
Despite multiple technical and collaborative challenges, I completed the animation ahead of the contracted deadline. The final production phase involved quality checks to ensure educational accuracy, visual consistency, and technical quality. I delivered the final video in multiple formats to accommodate different distribution needs at Stanford University, ensuring it would function effectively both as an educational tool and marketing asset.
The educational animation successfully met and exceeded project objectives, becoming an integral part of Stanford University's internal curriculum while also serving as a valuable marketing tool.
Beyond the measurable results, this project achieved several significant qualitative outcomes:
Watch the final animation that was delivered to Stanford University:
"The video was integrated into our high-profile Stanford University internal course, resulting in enhanced learning experiences while also serving as a key marketing asset for the university."
— Fascination Lab Client Review
This project presented unique challenges that tested my technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and professional resilience. Working under tight constraints with expanding responsibilities taught me valuable lessons about project management and client relationships.
This project strengthened my ability to work independently under pressure while managing both technical and interpersonal challenges. It reinforced the importance of initiative and adaptability in creative work, especially when project parameters are not fully defined. Most importantly, it demonstrated my capacity to deliver high-quality educational content that serves real-world learning objectives despite obstacles — a skill that has proven invaluable in subsequent projects.
