Animation

An animation is a quick run of still frames that our eyes read as continuous movement. In an interface, its main job is to show what the system is doing and to confirm what the user just did.

Interface animations usually start for one of two reasons:

• The user acts. Someone taps Pay, and a spinner confirms the payment is being processed.
• The system changes. A file finishes uploading, and a checkmark animates in to show it is done.

Used with care, motion makes a product feel responsive and easier to follow. Too much of it gets in the way: extra movement can distract, slow people down and even make some people feel unwell.