Motion begins with a change of state

Explain the relationship

Motion is most useful when something changes: a menu opens, a project becomes active or an image leads into its case study. The animation can preserve the relationship between the previous state and the new one. This makes an interface feel understandable as well as considered.

Create a limited vocabulary

We define a few transitions with clear purposes. A short movement acknowledges input. A slower reveal introduces a significant piece of content. A crossfade changes media in a stable frame. Reusing these decisions creates rhythm without forcing every element to perform.

Account for interruption

People do not wait for animations to finish before clicking again. Menus, tabs and accordions need to respond cleanly to rapid input. We test them by deliberately interrupting them. A transition that only works when used politely is not finished.

Let the content stand still

Reduced-motion support is a design requirement. The same information should remain available with less movement, without empty spaces or invisible content. We also pause continuous effects when they leave the viewport. The best motion system is one that knows when its work is done.