Explaining Motion Design Systems for Consumer Hardware — Google Smart Displays

Technical storytelling · Explaining complex design systems

I led the narrative framing for a case study documenting how an interactive design studio, Hobbes (now Duolingo), built scalable motion design systems for Google Smart Displays—translating a highly technical, systems-driven design process into a story that was accessible, persuasive, and precise.

The challenge was not just to describe animation, but to communicate how a motion system functions over time—coordinating hundreds of micro-interactions across a 24-hour cycle while maintaining clarity, consistency, and aesthetic intent. My aim was to help prospective clients appreciate both the rigor of the work and the meaningful difference it could make for users. I focused on making the behind-the-scenes systems understandable, balancing technical depth with conceptual clarity.

The final content turns complex animation logic into an accessible, simple narrative. It shows how design systems, constraints, and repetition support both creative expression and reliable performance in consumer hardware.