Writer:
Nina Vo
Motion makes UI feel alive.
Done right, animation is more than eye candy—it reinforces hierarchy, provides feedback, and guides users with clarity.
Why Motion Is More Than Aesthetic
Motion provides spatial awareness. It explains cause and effect. Think of it as choreography between states, helping users understand where things go and why.
Core Motion Principles
Duration matters: too fast = jarring, too slow = annoying.
Easing curves affect mood: ease-in-out feels natural, linear feels robotic.
Consistency breeds trust.
Use Cases That Actually Work
Button tap feedback
Expanding cards
Smooth transitions between screens
Hover previews
1. Animate With Purpose
Every animation must serve UX. Don’t animate just for flair.
2. Match Real World Physics
Bounce, inertia, and acceleration make things feel grounded.
3. Test on Low-End Devices
Smooth animation should not come at the cost of performance.
4. Communicate State Changes
Subtle fades or slides show something has been updated, added, or removed.
Avoid Motion Overload
Too much movement creates chaos. Motion is strongest when it’s subtle, predictable, and restrained.
Final Thoughts
Treat motion as language. If used fluently, it adds clarity, elegance, and confidence to your product experience.
