In a world where attention spans are shrinking and remote learning is becoming the norm, more businesses are turning to training videos to engage their teams and improve knowledge retention. Among the most effective formats is sketch animation—also known as whiteboard animation or hand-drawn explainer videos—which combines storytelling, illustration, and motion to make training more memorable and accessible.
What Makes Training Videos So Effective?
Training videos offer a consistent, scalable way to educate staff. Whether onboarding new hires, rolling out new systems, or upskilling teams, video-based training can be watched anytime, anywhere—making it ideal for hybrid or global teams. Research consistently shows that up to 65% of the population are visual learners.
But not all training videos are created equal. That’s where sketch animation stands out.
The Power of Sketch Animation
Sketch animation adds a human touch to corporate training. By visualising complex concepts in a simple, engaging style, it helps break down information into digestible chunks. The act of seeing ideas unfold on screen mimics how we process information naturally—through storytelling and visual cues.
Here’s why sketch animation works so well in training videos:
- Visual storytelling: Turning abstract ideas into pictures helps people grasp concepts more quickly.
- Audience engagement: The hand-drawn aesthetic feels informal and inviting, holding attention longer.
- Simplifying complexity: Technical topics, process explanations, and policy overviews become easier to follow when illustrated.
- Faster learning: Learners retain more when content is visual and concise, saving time for both trainers and learners.
Use Cases: Where Sketch Animation Shines
Businesses across industries are using sketch animation in their training videos for:
- Onboarding: Introducing company culture, values, and policies in a friendly, engaging way.
- Compliance training: Making dry content more watchable and engaging.
- Systems and process training: Showing step-by-step workflows or software navigation visually, reducing the need for long manuals.
- Change management: Helping teams understand and adapt to organisational changes through story-driven content.
Real-World Results For Training Videos
At Sketch Group, we’ve seen firsthand how clients benefit from sketch-based training videos. For CPA Australia, we created a series of sketch animation training videos to support members in understanding compliance obligations under the Professional Standards Scheme and the Quality Control Manual. These visually engaging explainer videos helped break down complex regulatory requirements into clear, relatable content—making it easier for accounting professionals to stay compliant and confidently apply the standards in their own practice.
For Dementia Australia, we created animated content as part of the Dementia Essentials training course. This nationally recognised program supports aged care workers and carers in understanding and responding to dementia-related behaviours. By using sketch animation, we helped translate complex emotional and behavioural guidance into clear, compassionate visuals. The result was a warm and accessible training resource that carers could revisit anytime—particularly valuable for those working in diverse care settings or needing flexible, on-demand learning.
These projects demonstrate how sketch animation doesn’t just inform—it inspires action and lasting understanding.
In today’s environment, businesses need training tools that are not only informative but also convenient to access from anywhere. Sketch animation offers the perfect blend of creativity and clarity, making training videos both engaging and effective—no matter where your team is located. It transforms training into a memorable experience that supports learning in the flow of work, whether in the office or remote.
If you’re looking to make your training videos more effective, approachable, and engaging, sketch animation could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact us to explore how sketch animation can transform your training.