Timing Calibration
Get animation speed right using Disney's timing principles.
Problem Indicators
- "Too slow" or "too fast" feedback
- Animations feel inconsistent
- Similar actions have different speeds
- Users wait for animations
- Motion feels robotic or unnatural
Diagnosis by Principle
Timing
Issue: Duration doesn't match action type Fix: Micro-interactions: 100-150ms. Transitions: 200-400ms. Complex reveals: 400-600ms. Never exceed 1s for UI.
Slow In and Slow Out
Issue: Linear timing feels mechanical Fix: Use easing. Ease-out for entrances (fast start, soft landing). Ease-in for exits (soft start, quick finish).
Arcs
Issue: Straight-line motion at wrong speed Fix: Curved paths need more time than straight paths. Increase duration for arc motion.
Staging
Issue: Multiple speeds compete Fix: Similar elements should animate at similar speeds. Create timing harmony.
Secondary Action
Issue: Secondary animations at wrong relative speed Fix: Secondary actions should be slightly slower than primary. Creates natural hierarchy.
Timing Scale
| Category | Duration | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Instant | 0-100ms | Hover states, micro-feedback |
| Fast | 100-200ms | Buttons, toggles, small elements |
| Normal | 200-300ms | Cards, modals, most transitions |
| Slow | 300-400ms | Page transitions, large elements |
| Deliberate | 400-600ms | Complex reveals, onboarding |
Quick Fixes
- Start with 200ms - Adjust from there
- Larger elements = longer duration - Size affects perceived speed
- Distance affects timing - Longer travel = longer duration
- Create a timing scale - Use 3-4 consistent values
- Test at 2x speed - If too slow works, use it
Troubleshooting Checklist
- Is duration under 400ms for most UI?
- Do similar elements have similar timing?
- Is easing applied (not linear)?
- Does larger movement have longer duration?
- Test: Speed up by 30%—still readable?
- Test: Slow down by 30%—feels sluggish?
- Are users waiting for animations?
- Compare to platform conventions (iOS/Android/Web)
Code Pattern
:root {
/* Timing scale */
--duration-instant: 50ms;
--duration-fast: 150ms;
--duration-normal: 250ms;
--duration-slow: 350ms;
--duration-deliberate: 500ms;
/* Easing */
--ease-out: cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.2, 1);
--ease-in: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 1, 1);
--ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
}
/* Size-aware timing */
.small-element { transition-duration: var(--duration-fast); }
.medium-element { transition-duration: var(--duration-normal); }
.large-element { transition-duration: var(--duration-slow); }