Motion with Purpose
Animation in digital products should never be decoration—it should serve a purpose. Whether guiding users, providing feedback, or telling a story, every motion should earn its place.
The Principles of Motion Design
1. Timing and Easing
The way an element moves communicates personality. A quick, snappy animation feels energetic and modern, while a slow, gentle ease conveys calm and sophistication.
2. Spatial Relationships
Motion can establish hierarchy and relationships between elements. Objects that move together are perceived as related.
3. Continuity
Animation should create a sense of flow through your interface, helping users understand where they are and where they're going.
Practical Applications
Micro-interactions
Small, delightful moments that make interfaces feel alive:
Page Transitions
Smooth transitions between pages or states help users maintain context and reduce cognitive load.
Scroll Animations
Thoughtful scroll-based animations can guide attention and create engaging narratives as users explore content.
Tools of the Trade
Motion design is about understanding human perception and using movement to create experiences that feel natural, intuitive, and delightful.