Brief

For a product event, the content team planned three separate launch videos, each needing a countdown opener that ends by showcasing the relevant product image. The sequence had to run automatically with no presenter input, read cleanly on 16:9 screens, and be simple to update for product variants. Crucially, this was produced before the Morph transition existed, so smooth motion required separate elements and carefully tuned automatic timings. The team also asked for clear instructions to export the countdowns to MP4 for video editors and GIF for reuse in internal decks or social teasers. In short, the requirement was a compact, repeatable PowerPoint launch countdown that feels polished, resolves on a final product frame, and remains easy to adapt across three SKUs.

Approach

We storyboarded a 3-2-1 countdown that builds anticipation and then resolves on a product image lock-up. Because it was pre-Morph, we constructed the motion from separate objects—digits, highlight rings, accents, glows—and choreographed automatic build → dwell → hand-off timings with restrained easing for smoothness. A master file holds three variants, each with its own final frame where editors swap in a product image (fit-to-frame guidance included). Style tokens control colour, type and accents; safe-area guides protect readability on venue screens. The deck contains a short usage panel with step-by-step export:

• MP4: File → Export → Create a Video (1080p), set seconds spent on each slide per the timing notes, then render.
• GIF: File → Export → Create an Animated GIF (Large/1080), confirm loop, then export.
  

We validated legibility on typical LCD/projector setups and ensured the final frame holds long enough for a clean cut into the main video.

Outcome

The event opened with three crisp countdowns, each resolving on its product image for a seamless hand-off into the launch content. Automatic timings kept motion consistent, while editors could replace images and text in minutes. Because the build relies on separate elements rather than Morph, it was dependable across older PowerPoint versions and varied playback environments. The provided MP4 and GIF instructions made repurposing straightforward for video, social and internal decks. Overall, the organisation gained a reusable, brand-true countdown system that elevates product reveals without specialist software.