Motion Design Principles Cheat Sheet

Timing, easing, and storytelling

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Focus Areas

Focus
Design motion to reveal, transition, or give feedback
Honor `prefers-reduced-motion` with subtle alternatives

Commands & Queries

transition: opacity 180ms ease-out
Use short fade transitions
animation-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)
Apply material easing
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { * { transition-duration: 0ms; } }
Respect reduced motion

Summary

Use timing and easing to emphasize states and provide reduced-motion options.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep motion purposeful, mimic physics, and respect reduced-motion preferences.
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