Motion graphic design
Motion graphic design is a subset of graphic design in that it uses graphic design principles in a filmmaking or video production context (or other temporally evolving visual medium) through the use of animation or filmic techniques. Examples include the kinetic typography and graphics you see as the titles for a film, or opening sequences for television or the spinning, web-based animations, three-dimensional station identification logo for a television channel. Although this art form has been around for decades, it has taken quantum leaps forward in recent years in terms of technical sophistication.
Technology
The elevation of this art form is largely due to technology improvements. Computer programs for the film and video industry have become vastly more powerful and more available. One of the leading program used by motion graphic designers is Adobe After Effects, which allows them to create and modify graphics over time. Adobe After Effects is sometimes referred to as "Photoshop for film." A relatively recent product in the market is Apple Inc. Motion, now a part of Final Cut Studio. Adobe Flash is widely used to create motion design for the web.
Recently, motion graphics design needs more than a few tools and practices to be created smoothly. Tools like Maxon Cinema4D has integrated tools to create Motion Graphics, such as the native MoGraph plugin, or ICE of Softimage that can also be used for similar purposes. While techniques used are heavily dependent on the designer, trends are also defining on which techniques are used, when.
A typical motion designer is a person trained in traditional graphic design who has learned to integrate the elements of time, sound and space into his/her existing skill-set of design knowledge. Motion designers can also come from filmmaking or animation backgrounds.