Instant Animations (0-100ms)
Animations under 100ms feel instantaneous to users. This duration is for immediate feedback that confirms actions without perceived delay.
Disney Principles at Instant Speed
Works Well
Squash & Stretch: Subtle - 2-5% compression on button press creates tactile feel without visible deformation.
Anticipation: Skip entirely - no time for preparation at this speed.
Staging: Minimal - rely on position/color change, not movement.
Straight Ahead/Pose to Pose: Straight ahead only - too fast for keyframe complexity.
Follow Through: None - motion completes before follow-through registers.
Slow In/Slow Out: Use ease-out only - starts at full speed, slight deceleration.
Arcs: Linear paths only - curves don't register at this speed.
Secondary Action: Skip - brain can't process multiple simultaneous instant changes.
Timing: 1-3 frames maximum. 60fps = 16.67ms per frame.
Exaggeration: Minimal - subtle scale (0.95-1.05) or opacity changes.
Solid Drawing: Focus on color/opacity shifts, not spatial transformation.
Appeal: Crisp, immediate response builds trust and perceived performance.
Doesn't Work
- Complex multi-step sequences
- Visible travel distance
- Rotation beyond 15 degrees
- Multiple property changes
- Staged reveals
Easing Recommendations
/* Primary choice - immediate start, soft landing */
transition: all 50ms ease-out;
/* Alternative - completely linear for state toggles */
transition: opacity 80ms linear;
/* Button press feedback */
transition: transform 50ms ease-out;Best Use Cases
- Button active/pressed states
- Toggle switches
- Checkbox/radio selections
- Focus ring appearance
- Hover color shifts
- Touch ripple initiation
Implementation Pattern
.button:active {
transform: scale(0.97);
transition: transform 50ms ease-out;
}
.toggle-on {
background: var(--active);
transition: background 80ms ease-out;
}Key Insight
At instant speeds, animation serves confirmation, not communication. Users shouldn't consciously perceive the animation - they should feel the interface responding.