No motion, please

July 2, 2024

We all love motion and animation that just feels right. But please, do not animate just for the sake of animating; some things are better left still, literally.

Some interactions just feel better with no motion. For example, the native macOS right click menu only animates out, not in, due to the frequent usage of it. The lack of motion makes it feel snappy and responsive.

When designing, consider the user's context and the purpose of the motion. If it doesn't add value, it's better to leave it out. Remember, motion should enhance the user experience, not detract from it.