On motion budgets
Decide the maximum duration for interface transitions early, typically 150 to 400 milliseconds, and keep longer moments for rare, meaningful events. Fast, consistent motion reads as quality.
Notes from the studio shelf.
References we return to. Filter by subject; all links lead to public sources.
- Apple Human Interface GuidelinesPlatform conventions for iOS, iPadOS and more.
- Material Design 3Google's design system, including elevation and motion.
- MDN: prefers-reduced-motionRespecting motion preferences.
- web.dev: animations guideHigh-performance CSS animation.
- WCAG 2.2 quick referenceAccessibility success criteria.
- Inclusive ComponentsPatterns for accessible interface components.
- App Store Review GuidelinesWhat Apple accepts.
- Google Play Developer Policy CenterWhat Google accepts.
On elevation
Use a small, fixed set of elevation levels and assign each a meaning: resting, raised, overlay, modal. Random shadows flatten a design rather than deepen it.
On writing a brief
Describe the audience, the feeling you want, three products you admire and why, what must not change, and practical limits. That is enough for a first conversation.