Slow Animations (800-1200ms)

At 800-1200ms, animation approaches cinematic territory. This is deliberate, intentional motion for moments that matter. Users are expected to stop and watch.

Disney Principles at Slow Speed

Cinematic Application

Squash & Stretch: Pronounced and characterful – 25-35% deformation tells stories. Objects have weight and personality.

Anticipation: Full theatrical wind-up – 200-300ms preparation. The audience knows something is coming.

Staging: Scene composition – think in terms of camera and stage. Clear visual hierarchy with entrance order.

Straight Ahead/Pose to Pose: Pose to pose essential – 4-6 key poses for 1 second of motion.

Follow Through: Extended overlap – different elements settle at clearly different times, 200-300ms of settling.

Slow In/Slow Out: Dramatic curves – strong ease-in creates weight, strong ease-out creates impact.

Arcs: Sweeping curves – motion paths are clearly curved, visible trajectories.

Secondary Action: Complex layering – multiple levels of supporting action enhance primary motion.

Timing: 48-72 frames at 60fps. Near-film quality frame counts.

Exaggeration: Theatrical – push proportions and motion for emotional impact.

Solid Drawing: Full dimensional transforms – parallax, depth, 3D rotation.

Appeal: Emotional connection – slow motion creates intimacy with the interface.

Easing Recommendations

/* Dramatic, weighted motion */
transition: all 1000ms cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);

/* Graceful entrance */
transition: all 900ms cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1);

/* Heavy, impactful landing */
transition: transform 1100ms cubic-bezier(0.33, 1, 0.68, 1);

/* Elastic, memorable */
transition: all 1000ms cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.6, 0.32, 1.6);

Best Use Cases

• App launch sequences
• Major feature reveals
• Storytelling moments
• Error recovery animations
• Achievement unlocks
• Tutorial sequences
• First-run experiences
• Section transitions in presentations
• Loading state to content reveals

Implementation Pattern

@keyframes slowReveal {
  0% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(100px) scale(0.8);
  }
  60% {
    opacity: 1;
  }
  100% {
    transform: translateY(0) scale(1);
  }
}

.slow-reveal {
  animation: slowReveal 1000ms cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) forwards;
}

/* Staggered sequence */
.sequence-item {
  animation: slowReveal 900ms cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1) forwards;
}
.sequence-item:nth-child(n) {
  animation-delay: calc(var(--index) * 150ms);
}

When NOT to Use

• Navigation between views (too slow)
• Repeated interactions (users get impatient)
• High-frequency actions
• Data-heavy interfaces
• Productivity tools

Key Insight

Slow animations demand attention as payment. Only use when the moment is worth the user’s time. These animations create memories, not just feedback.