Animation & Video Effects

Should Websites have Animation?

When thinking about what makes a website appealing, numerous techniques can make the website attractive. One reason someone might use Animation on their website is that website animation can add visual interest. Animation can make the website fun and exciting, easier to use, or both depending on the context. From loading screens to videos and ads on the website’s sidebars, Animation can be used to create these features.

With Animation, loading screens can be made to be bearable. They can seem like they can take forever if the website doesn’t provide anything to pass the time for loading screens. A simple form of interactivity, such as playing a game; or a colorful, mesmerizing loading screen, can make the wait time tolerable. This can also show off the creative aspects of a website.

Advertise through the Website Animation

Suppose a company wanted to advertise its business on a popular website. In that case, it could create an animation that could be advertised on the side of the screen to capture the user’s attention. For the sides of the screen, websites can feature small videos and ads that include Animation. Though, it’s arguable that websites that feature videos and ads on the side can be distracting. I’m guilty of closing ads and muting videos when I’m trying to focus on a website’s content. However, if the videos and ads advertised are fun, helpful, and small, they can be pleasurable.

Responsive Animation

Another reason someone might use Animation on their website is that website animation is responsive. If you’re including Animation on your website, it should be responsive. For example, if a website contains buttons, the buttons should be functional.

Many websites provide buttons to play videos and sounds or even do something surprising. Buttons can also help navigate a website. For example, suppose the website is designed for articles. Controls that allow users to hover over it and click it. In that case, controls can go to the following or previous articles or skip through the articles, saving the user time and effort.

Demonstration via Website Animation

A third reason someone might use website animation is that Animation can be used for demonstration. If your website revolves around a product or instructions on doing something, descriptions are more work than necessary. Suppose the new iPhone is coming out, or you want to know how to bake a cake. Reading about the iPhone or reading instructions on how to bake a cake can be tedious and time-consuming. A user might want to see what the new iPhone offers and see how this cake is made rather than just reading pages and pages about it. This is where Animation comes in.

An animation can guide you through this process and be a great visual aid for users. Animation can show off the new iPhone’s features and how it works or show you how to bake a cake. For visual learners, animations that demonstrate products or instructions are an excellent way to understand the given situation fully. They are also entertaining to watch. However, it’s essential to remember that written notes about the product or instructions should also be provided; some users like to read the information rather than watch a video.

Reasons why Website Animation should be a No, No

Though there are many advantages to using website animation, there are a few reasons not to have website animations. Generally, websites should not have animation unless done right and with plenty of time and effort put into the website’s design. When website animation is done right, there can be many benefits, but it can ruin the entire website if it is done wrong. It can either show off the detailed design skills put into the Animation or the lack of design skills.

Speed

One disadvantage of using Animation on a website is that Animation can slow it down. Flash is the ideal software for animating websites because it keeps files small. Small files will create a website faster in exchange for large files—the less a website has to execute, the better. Animation can also complicate websites that are also used for mobile devices. Some animation features on a website will not transfer over correctly, which can pose a big problem. Animation needs to be universal for all electronic devices. For example, most web users have Flash downloaded on their computers, but Apple’s mobile devices do not support Flash. Different software would be needed for animations to work on iPads, iPods, or iPhones.

The distraction of having Website Animation

Additionally, too much Animation on a website or webpage can be distracting. If a website has a message it’s trying to convey, side animations, especially advertisements, will distract from the main point. If the website is supposed to be for a business or look professional, animations might not be the best choice. Small animations such as buttons would suit a professional website because they show interactivity. Using buttons can make the website easier because they indicate where users can click to a different part of the website.

Cluttered

Another disadvantage of using animation on a website is that animations can make a website look cluttered if there is too much of it. Cluttered animations make a website look unprofessional and can also be distracting from the website’s primary purpose. If your website’s main objective is to try and sell something, having too many animations about the product can overwhelm the user and make the website look disorganized. Instead, animations should be sparingly and harmonious with all of the animations used within a website.

Website Animation can be Costly.

Another downside to website animation is that quality website animation can be costly to design and create. Since high-quality Animation that is executed well and blends in with the website is ideal, a professional animator should be hired to achieve this goal. Educated decisions are needed when creating a good website. It is also expensive to maintain and keep a website up to date. The industry moves so fast, and new software is developed constantly. Consistently updating the website to keep up with the rest of the sector is needed to have a successful website, and keeping the animations up to date can prove too much to handle for some.

SEO & Website Animation

Animation limits how much a search engine can find a website. Search engines will not see the text content in Animation, as it is a different medium than what search engines are meant for. This can limit the number of visits a website receives. This downside to Animation is essential to any business with a website and wants visitors. Companies want people to easily find and use their websites effortlessly.

Summary

There are many reasons why one might add Animation to their website. As previously mentioned, Animation can be an excellent way to add visual interest, responsiveness, and demonstrations. Though there are many reasons one might not want to add Animation to their website, such as slowness, the user might become distracted. It could reduce the sense of professionalism, look cluttered, be expensive, non-versatile, and have other limitations. Considering these factors is essential when deciding if Animation should be used on a website.

Before making this decision, one should carefully evaluate their website to see if it requires animation and ask why they feel the need to use it if they choose to do so. This will not only help them assess what message they are trying to convey, but it will also benefit their website.

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