Dentsu Media Trends Report 2026

Client: Dentsu Global Role: Motion Designer

For the launch of Dentsu’s 2026 Media Trends Report, “Human Truths in the Algorithmic Era,” I animated a motion system that brought the report’s insights to life. The annual forecast explores how people and technology shape the future of media, and the animations extend that story visually.

Each sequence transforms Dentsu’s lines and circles into a measured choreography of connection. Layered over human figures, these forms become a dialogue between people and data, a metaphor for how both inform and evolve through one another. The motion reflects a simple truth: innovation comes from the harmony between human insight and intelligent systems.

Motion Language

The motion language builds on Dentsu’s “Innovating to Impact” design system, rooted in the creation of relationships. Dentsu is where people, ideas, and cultures connect to create new value. Circles represents the network assets: talent, technology, clients, and expertise, while lines signify the relationships between them. When connected, they spark innovation revealed through colored paths that weave new connections across the system.

This project extends that philosophy into motion, merging human and data into one continuous field. These brand elements move beyond geometry to express relationship and awareness. They are not simply overlaid on the human form; they emerge with it, expressing data as an extension of the human self. The motion reflects this synthesis: neither mechanical nor fluid, but a harmony of precision and vitality, structured yet alive, deliberate yet naturally unfolding.

Building
Motion Tools

To ensure brand precision and speed, I built a flexible motion rig for Dentsu’s circle-and-line system in After Effects. Instead of static assets, the brand shapes were rigged with defined properties and constraints, allowing controlled yet expressive movement.

The result was a consistent, easy-to-use toolkit that made iteration faster across multiple deliverables and collaboration between artists smoother. It now serves as a reusable motion framework for future Dentsu projects.

Integration
& Experience

On launch, the animations were integrated throughout the Media Trends microsite and digital campaign and also shown at their New York and London offices. They were also used across Dentsu’s agencies as assets for social media video posts.