Motion Design Basics: When Animation Helps vs. Hurts
Guide
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4 min read
Motion Should Explain, Not Decorate
The best interface animation is invisible in the sense that users never consciously notice it — they just feel like the product responds naturally. The worst animation calls attention to itself and slows people down.
A Few Rules We Follow
Keep transitions under 300ms for anything triggered by direct interaction, like a button press.
Use easing curves that mimic natural motion — ease-out for elements entering, ease-in for elements leaving.
Never animate purely for delight if it adds friction to a repeated task.
Ask "does this animation help the user understand what just happened?" If the answer is no, cut it.
