Impact of Motion Design on UX/UI
NNgroup “UX Animation”
As UX and UI continues to evolve with intricate elements and softwares that enables designers and developers spend more time designing, the more motion design has emerged as a big difference maker into making something visually pleasing. Motion design goes beyond the mere aesthetic appeal as it plays a crucial role in enhancing overall user experience. Integration of animations, transitions, and dynamic page elements allows UX/UI to seem more fluid, and creates interesting dynamics between the user and their intended experience.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Guiding Focus:
Motion serves as a tool to capture attention and direct focus to where it needs to be. For example that may be on screen ads during our sports games, the flow of Youtube and TikTok when we scroll on short form content, and much more.
2. Engagement:
Attention span is at a lowering pace since technology has come out with quick and easy ways to do things and view content. Motion in UX/UI allows attention to be grabbed and directed to where it needs to be. It takes one bold motion to get your user to read or see.
2. Information Hierarchy
We see information being put in front of our eyes in many ways, which includes ways that push importance. When we push the volume rockers on our iPhones we see a dynamic bar go up and down which makes it feel like we are turning a dial. On Spotify and Apple Music we see albums layered onto one another, or lyrics that are being sung bolded then fade away into the blur of the rest of the text. This is why feedback is important, not literal feedback on how a product or app is doing, rather the feedback the user gets when they have input.
In Toptals article by Micah Bowers, he states that, "Much like color, motion adds a layer of nuance that allows designers to communicate meaning without words, sounds, or well-worn symbols" (Bowers). Bowers makes an interesting point as he emphasizes the improtance of recognizing motion as more than style, but as a language and a form of communication, which allows the limits to be exceeded in many aspects of design including UX/UI. In the absence of instructions, text, expressions on faces, motion can step in as a universal communicator that immerses users into their desired experience.
“Micro interactions are helpful, but you shouldn’t overwhelm your designs just for the sake of adding them… You need to know when and where they make the experience better”
- Daniel Nisttahuz
How to even start to move in UX/UI?
Asking myself this question is difficult as is since I am currently going through the development and learning processes myself. But some questions I do ask myself include;
if I tap, swipe, click, open up something... does it move? Should it move? What would it look like?
Where does the user NEED to go first without forcing them there, so they get a feel for exploring the app from the surface down?
How do I convey emotion?
How do I organize the hierarchy of information not from top to bottom, but from front to back?
Motion design has transformed the landscape of UX/UI by introducing dynamic and captivating elements to digital interfaces. iIt strives to enhance usability, narrate stories, and craft experiences which goes beyond aesthetic (although it is a good bonus to have). In the era of advancing technology and design, the influence of motion design is poised to grow even more substantial in shaping the future of UX as it plays a pivotal role in the psychological parts of the users mind when obtaining information
Hi! Im Brian Stefanski
I always strive to create masterpieces that not only represents my passions, but also resonates with others on a deeper level. For me, the journey from academic pursuits to a world of Graphic Design is just beginning, and I'm ready to make my mark.
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