Animations are often overlooked, but they do an amazing job guiding the user through each step of a process.
Whether you are making a purchase or uploading a file, animation helps create a seamless experience.
When you do it poorly, these animations detract from the overall experience and lead to poor conversion rates. This article will discuss the significance of good animation in UX.
Table of Contents
How to Use UX Animation
Animation can help your users feel more comfortable with each interaction. It also helps set a visual tone and guides them through the process.
For example, if your site’s “Register” button has an arrow, the user will most likely know to click on it to move forward in the process.
Similarly, if you have a checkout page that uses several “Next” buttons in succession, animate these buttons to slide into view once they are clicked on; this makes it easier for the user to follow.
Common Types of Web Animations
Animation is a powerful tool that you can use in many ways to create a seamless user experience. Most website animations fall into one of the three categories:
- Linear: the object simply moves from point A to point B (think of Google’s homepage).
- Transition-based: objects move from one state to another on a screen (think of Gmail when you hit send).
- Interactive: objects change as a result of user interaction (think of the Facebook news feed).
Importance of Good Animation in UX
Directing Focus
Many animations have a direct effect on how you direct the focus of your users. For example, if your tasks are organized in a list, it’s easier for your users to follow the path of action.
But if you animate this list, the user will be able to move along the path easily.
Sharing Information
The use of animation helps share information quickly and efficiently with the user. It also reaches everyone who sees the page. For example, when you click on a drop-down menu, the contents of that menu slide into view.
When creating animations for your site, try to make them as accessible as possible for those with disabilities (such as color-blindness).
Creating User Trust
With interactive animations, users feel understood and more trusting of your business.
Since they are more engaged with your website or app, they will stay longer and trust your brand more. Remember that the animations you create should be designed to engage, not distract.
Creating Fun
Your site is no longer just a tool; it’s an experience. Adding fun and excitement to your site’s design gives people something to talk about and something that can increase their engagement with your brand.
This makes them more likely to share it with their friends. This also helps your brand stand out from the competition.
Improving User Experience
Animation helps users navigate through each step of a process and be more comfortable. Users learn quickly when they are in control, so they don’t feel as much cognitive load.
This means that if you use UX animation software such as Adobe XD, your site will be well-received by your users and will lead to increased conversions.
Conclusion
Animation is a powerful tool that you can use in many ways to create a seamless user experience. By using it well, you will be creating a memorable and engaging user experience that will lead to increased conversions.