Trivago's Animated Journey: A Blend of Art and Technology

Paulina Grondal's Award-Winning Commercial Animation for Trivago

Paulina Grondal, a renowned designer, crafted a 30-second spot for Trivago's animated campaign, marking the opening of the summer season in Spain. The inspiration for this project was drawn from 3D animated movies for children. The 3D models used in the animation have a characteristic childlike, playful style, making them resemble toys more than real objects. The color palette was inspired by actual pictures from the Spanish coast during sunset, creating an atmosphere of warmth and carefree summer time.

The uniqueness of this project lies in its simplicity and the way it visually communicates the number of hotels available to Trivago users in Spain. The animation transitions from a space view to a street-level view, showcasing different architectural styles that represent various regions of Spain. The final piece was designed to appeal uniquely to the audience, creating a balance between high-quality design, engaging storytelling, and clear product explanation.

The entire production of the animation was digital, using 3D software, Adobe software, and color grading software. The technical specifications of the project include Quick Time HQ, a resolution of 1920 x 1080, 25fps, and a length of 30 seconds. The main purpose of the commercial is to raise brand awareness and boost sales.

The project was completed in May 2018 in Dusseldorf, Germany. The design decisions were based on preproduction stage research, which involved defining the target audience and main channels. Several versions of the copy and storyboards were tested internally. The style frames were picked based on carefully prepared mood boards that reflected the atmosphere and taste of the Spanish audience.

The biggest challenge faced during the design process was creating a piece that not only showcased high-quality design and engaging storytelling but also clearly explained the product and aligned with the company's marketing goals. Despite these challenges, the project was successful and was awarded the Platinum A' Movie, Video and Animation Design Award in 2019, recognizing its world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design.