Use when designing animation sequences, page transitions, micro-interactions, loading states, or any motion that communicates meaning — ensures motion is purposeful, performant, and safe for motion-sensitive users
Installation
Install with Codex or Claude Copy this prompt, paste it into Codex, Claude, or another assistant, and let it review the skill page and install it for you.
Use when designing animation sequences, page transitions, micro-interactions, loading states, or any motion that communicates meaning — ensures motion is purposeful, performant, and safe for motion-sensitive users
Motion Choreography
Motion is communication. Every animation answers a question the user didn't know they had. If it doesn't answer one, cut it.
The Three Questions
Before adding any animation:
What changed? — the animation makes it visible
What should I look at next? — directs attention
How are these related? — shows spatial/hierarchical relationship
Can't answer at least one? The animation is decoration. Cut it.
Duration Guide
Context
Duration
Micro-interaction (button, toggle)
100-200ms
State change (card expand, tab)
200-300ms
Screen transition
250-400ms
Complex choreography
400-700ms total
Nothing over 1 second unless it's a loading indicator.
Easing Reference
Context
Easing
Entering
ease-out (decelerate)
Leaving
ease-in (accelerate)
State change
ease-in-out
Micro-interaction
spring (stiffness 300-500)
Stagger Patterns
50-80ms delay between items
Maximum 5 items staggered, rest appear instantly
Follow reading order
Reveal hierarchy — important items first
Reduced Motion
prefers-reduced-motion: reduce means reduce, not remove.
Standard
Reduced alternative
Slide in
Fade in
Scale with bounce
Instant appearance
Parallax scroll
Static
Staggered reveal
Simultaneous fade
Continuous pulse
Static state
Every animation must have a reduced-motion alternative. No exceptions.
What NOT to Animate
Text colour changes (photosensitive risk)
Layout properties in performance paths (use transform)
Anything that delays task completion
Decorative loops without user control
Performance
Only animate: transform, opacity, filter. These are GPU-composited.
