Motion Design in Product Design and Usability.
Motion has a profound impact on the user experience of digital products, but if interface elements don’t exhibit basic motion design principles, usability is undermined. In the context of user interfaces, motion is more than a visual garnish. It is a compelling force that bolsters product engagement and extends the reach of design communication.
Our world is one of movement. Even in still moments, leaves tremble and lungs expand. In the realm of digital product design, it would seem that motion is second nature, an extension of every day to be leveraged with little effort. If only that were true. Motion design is not synonymous with UI animation. This is crucial because UI animation is almost always treated as a cosmetic afterthought with no bearing on UX (except to add charm). Motion isn’t ornamentation, it is behavior, and behaviors can only help or hinder the user experience.
Interactive experiences demand motion in all its spry and subtle forms. When the principles of motion design are upheld, even the most rudimentary UI elements become sophisticated agents of human communication. When the principles are ignored, movement embodies characteristics not found in the natural world. No amount of aesthetic splendor can overcome the resulting clumsiness.
The relationship between motion design and the UX of digital products is rapidly maturing. A principled approach to motion prevents undue reliance on the fleeting utility of trends, tools, and techniques. Better still, it spans the divide between the abstract motion of elements on 2D screens and the perception of movement in a 3D world.
Do you have a new product or service you need to introduce to your audience? A motion graphics explainer video could help you achieve this in a matter of seconds. Comoshen can assist you in your motion design endeavors, Get in touch with us!
