timing-calibration

Timing Calibration

Get animation speed right using Disney's timing principles.

Problem Indicators

• "Too slow" or "too fast" feedback
• Animations feel inconsistent
• Similar actions have different speeds
• Users wait for animations
• Motion feels robotic or unnatural

Diagnosis by Principle

Timing

Issue: Duration doesn't match action type Fix: Micro-interactions: 100-150ms. Transitions: 200-400ms. Complex reveals: 400-600ms. Never exceed 1s for UI.

Slow In and Slow Out

Issue: Linear timing feels mechanical Fix: Use easing. Ease-out for entrances (fast start, soft landing). Ease-in for exits (soft start, quick finish).

Arcs

Issue: Straight-line motion at wrong speed Fix: Curved paths need more time than straight paths. Increase duration for arc motion.

Staging

Issue: Multiple speeds compete Fix: Similar elements should animate at similar speeds. Create timing harmony.

Secondary Action

Issue: Secondary animations at wrong relative speed Fix: Secondary actions should be slightly slower than primary. Creates natural hierarchy.

Timing Scale

Category	Duration	Use For
Instant	0-100ms	Hover states, micro-feedback
Fast	100-200ms	Buttons, toggles, small elements
Normal	200-300ms	Cards, modals, most transitions
Slow	300-400ms	Page transitions, large elements
Deliberate	400-600ms	Complex reveals, onboarding

Quick Fixes

1. Start with 200ms - Adjust from there
2. Larger elements = longer duration - Size affects perceived speed
3. Distance affects timing - Longer travel = longer duration
4. Create a timing scale - Use 3-4 consistent values
5. Test at 2x speed - If too slow works, use it

Troubleshooting Checklist

• Is duration under 400ms for most UI?
• Do similar elements have similar timing?
• Is easing applied (not linear)?
• Does larger movement have longer duration?
• Test: Speed up by 30%—still readable?
• Test: Slow down by 30%—feels sluggish?
• Are users waiting for animations?
• Compare to platform conventions (iOS/Android/Web)

Code Pattern

:root {
  /* Timing scale */
  --duration-instant: 50ms;
  --duration-fast: 150ms;
  --duration-normal: 250ms;
  --duration-slow: 350ms;
  --duration-deliberate: 500ms;

  /* Easing */
  --ease-out: cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.2, 1);
  --ease-in: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 1, 1);
  --ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
}

/* Size-aware timing */
.small-element { transition-duration: var(--duration-fast); }
.medium-element { transition-duration: var(--duration-normal); }
.large-element { transition-duration: var(--duration-slow); }