Mastering UI Loader Animations in Figma: A Design Guide

In the dynamic world of Designing, where instant relief is expected, UI loaders play a pivotal role in enhancing user experience. These subtle yet crucial elements provide feedback to users during the loading process, ensuring a smoother interaction and preventing frustration.
In this article, we’ll delve into what UI loaders are, their significance in designing, common problems, effective solutions, and the impact they have on user interaction.
Additionally, towards the conclusion, you will be able to see the Animation crafted using Figma.

What are UI Loaders?

UI loaders, also known as spinners or loading indicators, are animated elements that appear on a web page to signal that content is being fetched or processed. They are visual cues that inform users that their request is in progress, alleviating the uncertainty that can arise during loading times.

Importance in Designing

1. User Expectations: Users have grown accustomed to swift and responsive interfaces. UI loaders manage expectations by indicating that the system is actively working on a task, reducing perceived wait times.
2. Feedback Mechanism: Loaders serve as a form of feedback, assuring users that their input or request has been acknowledged. This feedback loop enhances the overall usability of the interface.

Common Problems with UI Loaders

1. Overly Complex Designs: Loaders should be simple and unobtrusive. Complex animations or graphics can distract users and create a sense of confusion.
2. Inconsistent Loading Times: If a loader persists for too long or disappears too quickly, it can mislead users about the actual progress. Consistency in loading times is essential for building trust.

Solutions to Common Problems

1. Simplicity is Key: Keep loader designs simple and straightforward. A clean, minimalistic approach ensures that users focus on the loading process without unnecessary distractions.
2. Dynamic Loading Times: Adjust loader animations based on the estimated loading time. Short tasks might need a quicker animation, while longer processes can accommodate a more extended display.

User Interaction and UI Loaders

1. Interactive Feedback: UI loaders should interact with users. For example, changing the cursor to indicate a clickable area or providing additional information on the loading process fosters engagement.
2. Transparent Communication: Use loaders to communicate transparently with users. Inform them about the progress, whether a task is loading, completed, or if an error occurred.

Design Process

1. Dot Wave- Using 3 circles each with an equal width and height of 16. I selected and created 1st frame bound all 3 circles. Then duplicated this frame 5 times. While keeping the 1st frame in the same position, I’ve modified the positions of the circles in the other 4 frames to represent a wave-like pattern. After selecting all frames, I’ve created a component (use Shortcut — Ctrl+Alt+K). Subsequently, interactions were added for each frame. For a visual representation, please refer to the image below. Once interactions were incorporated, the design can be previewed.

2. Hour Glass- In Figma, I’ve crafted an outline vector in the shape of an hourglass. Then duplicated the same vector and filled half of the hourglass with color in another vector & grouping them accordingly. By altering the angle of the hourglass, I’ve adjusted the position of the filled vector accordingly. After selecting all elements, I created a component using the (use Shortcut Ctrl+Alt+K). Subsequently, interactions were added for each frame. Check the image below for better understanding. Once interactions were seamlessly incorporated, the design can be previewed for a comprehensive overview.

3. Ring- The ring loader, a widely utilized loading animation, can be easily created in Figma. To form the ring shape, select the circle shape, then choose the arch and drag it towards the center, adjusting the ratio to match the inner width of the desired ring. Ensure that the ring sweep does not exceed 75%. Integrate another small circle for one of the ends of the ring, and use the Union selection option at the top middle header in Figma to combine the ring and circle. Apply a gradient fill, selecting an angular pattern, with a darker color around the curved end and transparent color around the corners. Rotate the circles 4 times, considering Top, Bottom, Right, and Left as reference points. After selecting all, create a component. Subsequently, add interactions for each frame, as depicted in the image below for a clearer understanding. Once the interactions are implemented, the preview option can be used for a comprehensive overview.

4. Line Spinner- Similar to the ring loader, create a closed ring from a circle, setting the sweep at 100%. This time, maintain the ring unfilled and instead, add a stroke. Increase the stroke width and adjust the stroke style to give it a spinner-like appearance. Apply the same gradient effect as the ring and duplicate the rings. Alter the angles accordingly. Add interactions for each frame, as illustrated in the image below for a clearer understanding. Once the interactions are applied, proceed to check the preview for a comprehensive overview.

“Click on here & Tap Restart to preview”

Concluding

In essence, UI loaders are indispensable elements in web design, providing visual feedback during loading processes to enhance user experience. They come in various styles, such as dot wave and ring loaders, each with unique properties and design considerations. Whether creating elegant animations in Figma or optimizing loading efficiency, UI loaders play a crucial role in maintaining user engagement and satisfaction by bridging the gap between expectation and action.

Thank you for reading! Do let me know if you would like to see other 4 loaders design process.

Feel free to reach out to me at — sheetal.sharma.1099@gmail.com