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What is animation?

Animation, simply, is an image that appears to be moving. Animation is considered here to be a media type, although there are many different kinds within the category of animation.

Animation is a wonderful tool in web design, It can provide better information, user interaction, or add impact in a splash screen

Two types of Animation are:

1. Frame Animation: a series of images are shown in succession so that the image appears to be moving

2. 3D Animation: a 3D model of an object or scene is shown from different perspectives with a smooth transition from one perspective to another.

Considerations in using animation

Animation can be over-used if not careful.  Animation should be used with care because:

1. Animated graphics can be too big, too busy, or just TOO MUCH!
2. If there are too many animated elements, page can be difficult to read and information can be difficult to find.
3. Lots of animation makes page take longer to load.  In fast-paced world, users don't always have time to wait on animated background to load.   In addition, not all of users have high speed connections.

Types of animation effects

1. Bitmap flipping where a sequence of images is displayed at one point. Small stationary objects e.g. animated GIFS; used arbitrarily, they annoy.
2. Path animation: an object moves across the screen; created in authoring packages e.g. Flash
3. Full animation: movement of rendered 3D objects, created with e.g. Animator or 3DFX.
4. Interactive user control of an objects or environment, virtual reality and VRML.

How to use animation?

Examples below are for right and wrong ways to use animation. Used correctly, animation can be a great design feature, but don't let it get out of hand. Remember, with animation, a little goes a long way.