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.