Principles of Motion Design

The 12 principles of animation, codified by Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston in 'The Illusion of Life' (1981), apply directly to digital motion design. Squash and stretch gives objects weight and flexibility. Anticipation prepares the viewer for an action (a button slightly shrinks before expanding on press). Follow-through means elements don't stop abruptly (a menu slides past its target and bounces back). Ease-in and ease-out (slow start, slow end) makes motion feel natural because nothing in the physical world starts or stops at full speed. These principles transform mechanical, robotic animations into motion that feels alive.