Animation designs 1-Loading animations
Because we are reading the Animation Handbook this week, I want to conclude some animation designs and analyze the importance of animation design. In fact, in my past posts, I already discussed some animation designs today, such as brand logo animation ( I take Netflix and Airbnb as examples), icon animation which attracts users. Today I want to talk about animation which applied to the loading page of applications, and I bet most people already notice that.
The reason why animation is applied to the loading page partly comes from user experiences. As users, we don’t want to wait too long for a website or an application loaded. Therefore, designers try to make more fun on the loading page to distract your attention. Once exciting loading pages attract users, they will not feel so bored and annoyed when they are waiting.
At first, I want to show some interesting loading animations.
(https://dribbble.com/shots/6271180-Loading-animation-32#shot-description)
(https://dribbble.com/shots/2887008-Loading-Micro-Animation)
(https://dribbble.com/az86)
Strengths of loading animations(if you have anything else to add, please make comments)
1. Making the waiting process more interesting
As I mentioned before, users usually feel so bored and annoyed if they have to wait a long time for loading an application or a website. Therefore, an exciting loading page is useful for distracting the users’ attention.
2. The embodiment of a brand image
Even though designers can use imagination in loading animations, that doesn’t mean they can design anything they want on the loading pages. Such as the example of Gmail, we can realize the brand image of the company from this loading animation- A letter delivered;
But also, it’s hard to do well(just like personalization and customization are essential but hard to do well). From user perspectives, I think there are some tips designers should know when they are designing loading animations.
1. Estimate the loading time
Even though the loading animation is interesting, but it’s also annoying to repeat the loading animations. The key is to reduce the loading time technically.
2. Avoid being too complicated
I think designers should remember loading animation is not that important. The primary user interface is very crucial because users will continue to browse the main page. The complicated loading animation will make the user visual fatigue. Another reason is that we need to consider some situations that users don’t have useful internet. Complex loading page animation will slow down the loading speed.
3. Ensure the user's controllability of loading page
I think it’s vital to allow users to quit the loading page anytime they want.
If you have anything to share about loading animation, please make comments!
