Animations in UI Design: Types, Principles, Benefits

The concept of animation in development is of great importance. In this context, animation includes scrolling down the application and/or website and even sending notifications. So, UI/UX design is critically important for achieving the best results and usability.

User interface animation increases the interactivity of the product and its attractiveness and comfort of use for the user. In addition to practicality, this factor also has a psychological aspect, it is enough to recall the sites of the early 2000s overloaded with animations and various elements. Later, designers moved from linear motion to user interaction. And the animation itself was divided into clear categories - functional, marketing, and decorative.

6  Types of Animations for Mobile Apps

Types of animation have their own purpose, let's look at the main types and their meaning

No. 1. Reaction to user actions or feedback animations

The application needs to respond in a timely manner to user actions. For example, when a button is pressed, it should change its color, and the pressing itself should simulate a physical effect on the button. The same is true when scrolling through images or selecting an area from the overall picture.

No. 2. Improvements to the navigation system

One of the main uses of animation in Android and iOS app development is to simplify app navigation. For example, a popular animation option is a pop-up menu. You can also often find the rotation of pictures, which looks impressive and effective. Think about users’ desires while asking a question: “How to make an animation?”.

No. 3. Animated hints

This type of animation helps to demonstrate the structure of the interface. This is especially true if your application has a complex and non-obvious structure. A visualization of the process to familiarize yourself with the operation of the application will help indicate the correct way and the way to use the product.

No. 4. Real world illusion

Think of an application with a weather forecast, where, in addition to degrees, there is an animation of rain or bright sun. This is exactly the psychological aspect that helps to achieve the marketing attractiveness of the application.

No. 5. System animation

System processes also require animation. For example, when you are waiting for the application to load, spinning gear or any other evidence of the process will tell the user that the application is working.

The dynamic effect helps in the styling of the distribution of notifications or filling the screen space, for example, when you are listening to an audio recording.

No. 6. Entertainment animation

This is a decorative type of animation that has no practical meaning but helps the application to stand out from the competition. This can be a proprietary animation, for design examples, playing around with your logo design. Also, consider design trends and design cases to find your best inspiration.

Read also: 8 Steps to Understanding The Mobile App Development Lifecycle

5 Core Principles of Design

The guiding principles help to solve the basic problems that can arise when working. When it comes to user interface design, there are also principles that should be followed.

Principle 1: Clarity

When opening the application, the user must clearly understand what is happening and where to click in order to get a certain result with your perfect progress animation. The easier your application is to use, the fewer difficulties the user will have.

Avoid solutions that can confuse the user. It is important to remember and understand that the user is not aware of your ideas, so everything should be obvious to him and/or with hints. 

Principle 2: Flexibility

Your product should look attractive in every situation. To do this, you should use traditional design solutions that have proven themselves well. For example, if the device has a low resolution or a small diagonal.

Providing all the options and situations that may arise with the content and its display. The easiest way to do this is with native applications, where there are a certain number of devices with set parameters. It is extremely important to pay attention to the little things here because no one will use a snap, in which the elements run over each other or are displayed incorrectly.

Principle 3: Simplicity

By using the decisions you make, you are not sacrificing exclusivity. A simple and familiar design will speed up the time it takes to immerse yourself in and form an opinion about your app. Creativity should not contradict logic and frighten the user. Icons and CTAs should look familiar, obviously, and deliver the expected results. Use successful case study illustrations to be in the lists of UI animation mobile apps best practices.

Principle 4: Efficiency

Consider the main application formats for the application. Then measure the effort that needs to be made to accomplish all of this with the app. Analyze the chain of actions and simplify it as much as possible.

Principle 5: Consistency and structure

Thanks to the clear structure, the user can recognize and understand the application organically and without complications. You can achieve structure and consistency with visuals and navigation consistency even with totally identity design. Don't forget about the color scheme, which is often a great clue.

Benefits and Pitfalls of UI Animation

So, we have already defined the types of animation and the rules that it must follow. Let's take a look at the general advantages and disadvantages of using animation in the UI.

Pros of animation

Attracting attention to the animation branding

By using unique solutions, you emphasize your exclusivity. This applies to all types of animation, the main thing is to observe the consistency in the flight of fantasy.

Improving the current design

Even if you are not a designer and do not follow development trends, you can say with certainty that the site or application is old when you see the design. Complementing the old design with navigation and some updated elements, you get a new attractive product.

Increase conversion and engagement

Marketing animation is designed to do everything to make the user want to choose your offer and take advantage of all its functions and capabilities.

Cons of animation

It's very easy to overdo it

When it comes to choosing animation for a website or application, it is very important (and very difficult) to stay within the framework. Too much animation will distract the user and even interfere with him. And the more irritation, the fewer chances that the user will stay with you.

Reduced download speed

Animations that load slowly are a verdict for an application. And if we are talking about a site, then get ready for a negative reaction from search engines.

Summary

So, what is animation in web and mobile app development? Animation in applications is of great importance and almost a pivotal value in the question of user experience. When using this tool, the main thing is to remember a sense of proportion and goals. You can try MVP and run your app animations after this attempt.

The interface should not be overloaded with elements, but should clearly give an idea of how to use the application and what the user should receive, for example, when a button is pressed. Consider ready-made solutions in the development and always put yourself in the shoes of the person who plans to use your application at work and/or at leisure.