Which key animation principle is focused on presenting an idea clearly?

The principle focused on presenting an idea clearly is staging. Staging in animation refers to the way a scene is composed in order to convey a specific action or idea effectively to the audience. This involves careful consideration of character positioning, background elements, camera angles, and the overall composition of a shot. The intention behind staging is that the audience should quickly grasp what is happening without confusion, allowing the story to flow smoothly and remain engaging.

When staging is done well, it enhances the clarity of the narrative, making it easier for viewers to understand character motivations and emotional expressions. For instance, placing a character in a dramatic pose or using lighting to highlight a significant moment can make the scene more impactful. This principle is vital in both traditional animation and modern digital techniques, underscoring the need for clarity in storytelling through visual means.

The other principles like squash and stretch, timing, and slow in and slow out focus more on the fluidity of motion and the naturalism of character movement rather than clarity of presenting an idea. While they play significant roles in animation, they do not directly address the clarity of communication in the way staging does.