Animation

Animation is movement used in a digital solution over time. It can explain change, draw attention, show status or create a more coherent experience. Animation is a tool, not a goal in itself.

What does animation involve in practice?

In practice, animations should have a clear beginning, end and purpose. They need to work across devices, should not make the content feel slow and must not create discomfort for users who are sensitive to movement. Good animation is often short and subtle because it should support the task.

Animation is relevant when a solution includes transitions, interactive elements or a need to explain change. See Motion design, Microinteractions and MDN's documentation on CSS animations.