micro-100-200ms

Micro Animations (100-200ms)

The 100-200ms range is the sweet spot for micro-interactions. Fast enough to feel responsive, slow enough to be perceived as intentional motion.

Disney Principles at Micro Speed

Works Well

Squash & Stretch: Light application - 5-10% works for bouncy buttons, appearing elements.

Anticipation: Micro-anticipation possible - 20-30ms wind-up before 150ms action.

Staging: Single focal point - one element moving, rest static.

Straight Ahead/Pose to Pose: Either works - simple enough for straight ahead, controlled enough for poses.

Follow Through: Minimal overshoot - 2-5% past target, settle quickly.

Slow In/Slow Out: ease-out dominates - elements should arrive confidently.

Arcs: Slight curves possible - dropdown items can arc subtly rather than straight down.

Secondary Action: One secondary max - icon rotates while menu opens.

Timing: 6-12 frames at 60fps. Enough for smooth motion.

Exaggeration: Moderate - scale 0.9-1.1, rotation up to 30 degrees.

Solid Drawing: Simple transforms - scale, opacity, short translations.

Appeal: Quick animations feel modern and polished.

Doesn't Work

Easing Recommendations

/* Standard micro-interaction */ transition: all 150ms ease-out;

/* Appearing elements - start fast, land soft */ transition: opacity 120ms ease-out, transform 150ms ease-out;

/* Bouncy micro-feedback */ transition: transform 180ms cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);

Best Use Cases

Implementation Pattern

.tooltip { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-4px) scale(0.95); transition: opacity 120ms ease-out, transform 150ms ease-out; }

.trigger:hover .tooltip { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0) scale(1); }

.dropdown-item { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-8px); transition: all 150ms ease-out; }

Key Insight

Micro-animations are felt more than watched. Users notice when they're missing but don't consciously observe them. This is where polish lives.

Source Transparency