Lecture on UI and Web Design Animations

Introduction to UI Animations

• UI animations add personality to web design.
• Basic form: State changes - transition between different states.
• Conditionals control state changes with triggers & responses.

Categories of Animations

1. Non-real time animations
   • Triggered and play out in a set sequence.
2. Real-time animations (Interactive Graphics)
   • User interacts, and the animation responds, e.g., interactive CAPTCHA screens.

Use Cases for Animations

• Animated Mockups
  • Motion graphic representations, often for demo purposes.
• Prototypes
  • Includes animated transitions, focusing on testing usability.
• Live Products
  • Page transitions, micro-interactions, loading graphics, etc.

Steps to Create UI Animations

Step 1: Conceptualize and Plan

• Brainstorm animation ideas: scripts, task diagrams, storyboards.
• Focus on storytelling or interaction purpose.

Step 2: Create and Export Graphics

• Use vector-based tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, PenPot.
• Export graphics in suitable formats: PNGs for transparency, SVGs for scalability.

Step 3: Select Animation Tools

• Control animation parameters: keyframes, timing, duration, triggers.
• Prototyping Tools:
  • Protopie: Advanced interactions, multi-gesture and multi-device prototypes.
  • Features: Interactive text fields, camera interactions, voice prototyping, multi-touch gestures.

Step 4: Set Up Projects

• Familiarize with workspace and tools: Layers panel, assets, timeline, etc.
• Import graphics, animate, and program conditionals and interactive states.

Step 5: Handoff and Implementation

• Export as needed: video, Lottie, JSON for websites.
• Create documentation for developers or prepare HTML/CSS structure for self-integration.
• Use JavaScript or libraries for complex animations.

Principles of UI/UX Animation

• Easing: Adjust speed for natural movement.
• Offset & Delay: Different start times for depth.
• Parenting: Connect elements and show relationships.
• Transformation: Change element sizes/shapes.
• Value Change, Masking, Overlay, Cloning: Various effects for animation.
• Parallax, Dimensionality, Dolly & Zoom: Create depth and focus.

Important Considerations

• Do not overuse complex animations to avoid performance issues.
• Provide options for users sensitive to animations.
• Ensure animations are purposeful and enhance user experience.

Conclusion

• Equipped to create impressive UI animations with functional and aesthetic value.
• Encouragement to explore further learning opportunities.