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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Motion that respects the user

Motion that respects the user

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