| name | emilkowal-animations |
| description | Apply Emil Kowalski-style animation guidance for web interfaces: purposeful motion, correct easing, interruptibility, performance, reduced motion, and interaction feel. |
Animation Best Practices
Read the shared contracts before output: ../_shared/operator-output.md, ../_shared/attention-budget.md, ../_shared/evidence-record.md, ../_shared/state.md, ../_shared/cognitive-load.md, ../_shared/collaboration.md.
Purpose
Use motion only when it improves orientation, feedback, continuity, or perceived responsiveness.
Inputs
Animation request, UI component, gesture, transition, toast, drawer, tab, scroll reveal, or motion review.
Reads
Existing implementation, browser behavior when available, framework/library docs, and targeted reference files under references/ only for the specific animation type.
Writes
- animation code changes when asked
.context/animations.md for timing decisions and QA notes.context/session-state.md for substantial work
Process
- Decide the purpose of the motion: feedback, orientation, continuity, hierarchy, or explanation.
- Check frequency: repeated UI motion must be faster and quieter than rare explanatory motion.
- Prefer transform/opacity; avoid layout-heavy animation.
- Make interactions interruptible.
- Respect reduced motion.
- Verify timing and feel in browser when implementing.
- Load only the relevant reference file, such as
references/ease-out-default.md, references/timing-300ms-max.md, or references/polish-reduced-motion.md.
Defaults
- Most UI transitions finish within 300ms.
- Use ease-out for entering feedback and context-specific easing for drawers/gestures.
- Avoid bounce except for playful or physical drag interactions.
- Never animate keyboard response in a way that delays input.
Operator Output
Return the motion decision or implemented change, up to three evidence bullets, remaining risk, and next action. Put detailed timing notes in .context/animations.md.
Stop Conditions
Stop if the motion has no clear purpose, would harm frequent workflow use, or cannot be verified enough to judge feel.
