Creating UI animations: Tutorial, tools, and best practices

Animations have evolved from their early internet days of flashy pop-ups and GIFs to become integral in enhancing user interfaces (UIs) by improving communication and engagement through micro-interactions. These animations, such as loading states, navigation, and icons, help users understand processes, navigate digital spaces, and recognize interactive elements. Unlike motion graphics, which are used for marketing and branding, UI animations are specifically designed to enhance user experiences within applications and websites by adhering to principles like easing, fading, and squashing/stretching for natural and intuitive effects. Tools like Figma, Flinto, and Principle offer designers varying levels of control to create engaging UI animations, with each tool catering to different design needs and complexities. However, while animations can add delight and improve the user experience, they must be employed judiciously to avoid overwhelming users.