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The role of animation in UX: More than just aesthetics
Guiding, informing, and delighting users one frame at a time.
In the expansive world of digital design, every element has a role to play in creating a harmonious user experience (UX). Animation is one such crucial element, often playing a subtle yet impactful role. Animation in UX isn’t merely about visual flair and aesthetic pleasure; it’s a functional component that bridges the cognitive gaps, guiding users seamlessly through a digital journey.
Recall the gentle bounce of a button when you’re about to make an online purchase or the subtle transition as you swipe through a mobile app. These are not just random design choices; they are intentional UX strategies. When done correctly, animations can transform static and sterile interfaces into dynamic, intuitive, and engaging environments.
However, as designers, while we harness the power of animations, we must also understand their nuances and potential pitfalls. As with all design elements, animations require a balance. Too much can overwhelm and confuse, too little might render a design lifeless and uninspiring. Striking the right balance is the key, and in this article, we’ll delve deep into understanding this delicate equilibrium.
Guidance through transitions
As digital experiences grow more intricate, guiding users seamlessly becomes paramount. Here, animations can be your digital signage. For instance, the morphing of a hamburger icon into a close (“X”) icon provides a visual cue about the menu’s state. This small animation effortlessly communicates the transition between opening and closing a menu without the need for additional visual or textual indicators.
Animations can illuminate the path for users, turning potentially confusing interfaces into intuitive experiences.
Consider the slide-over submenu animation seen in many mobile apps. Instead of abruptly presenting a new menu, the slide-over gives a spatial sense of navigation, showing users they’ve merely shifted to a new layer of the app, and can easily return.
