Motion that respects the user

Portrait of David Lee By David Lee

Use animation to clarify flow, not to decorate—and keep motion accessible.

UI elements transitioning smoothly with subtle motion.

Animation should explain what changed and where to look. If a user can’t answer those two questions, the motion is noise.

Start with intent

  • Use entry/exit motion to show hierarchy (primary first, secondary staggered).
  • Keep durations short: 150–250ms for small UI, 300–450ms for overlays.

Accessibility matters

  • Respect reduced-motion preferences; swap transitions for fades or instant states.
  • Avoid parallax or large translations that can induce motion sickness.

Helpful defaults

  • Easing: use ease-out for entrances, ease-in for exits, and ease-in-out for subtle loops.
  • Limit bounces and overshoots; clarity beats flair.

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