How can you use web animations to create dynamic news experiences?

1 What are web animations?

Web animations are any visual changes or movements on a web page that are triggered by user actions, time, or code. They can include transitions, transformations, keyframes, sprites, canvas, SVG, and more. Web animations can be created with CSS, JavaScript, or animation libraries and tools. They can be applied to any element on a web page, such as text, images, icons, charts, maps, videos, etc.

2 Why use web animations for news?

Web animations can be used to grab attention and interest, simplify and clarify complex or abstract concepts, emphasize and reinforce key information, and engage and interact with viewers. These animations can make headlines, images, and facts stand out and attract more clicks and views. They can also help explain difficult topics in a visual and intuitive way, highlight the most important information, and create an immersive experience for the audience.

3 How to use web animations ethically?

When using web animations in news web design, it is important to consider the ethical implications. Web animations can mislead or manipulate, distract or annoy, and even exclude or discriminate. To ethically use web animations, you should ensure they add value and meaning to the story, are consistent and coherent with the tone and message of the story, are based on credible data sources and methods, are clear and easy to understand, are responsive and adaptable to different devices and browsers, and are respectful and sensitive to the context of the story.

4 How to use web animations effectively?

To use web animations effectively, you should follow some best practices, such as applying them sparingly and strategically to complement other elements on the page. Make sure to balance the visual hierarchy, contrast, and harmony of the web page. Additionally, use web animations to enhance and enrich your story, providing context and explanation for them. Finally, use web animations to invite user interaction and feedback in a respectful way, offering clear cues, instructions, and controls.

5 How to learn more about web animations?

Web animations can be a great way to create dynamic news experiences, but they require some skills and knowledge to use them effectively. If you want to learn more, explore examples of web animations from The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, or The Pudding. Read books and articles such as Animation at Work by Rachel Nabors, Designing Interface Animation by Val Head, or Web Animation Weekly by Sarah Drasner. Consider taking courses and tutorials like CSS Animations and Transitions for the Modern Web by Adobe, JavaScript and the DOM by Khan Academy, or Web Animation Essentials: CSS Animations and Transitions by LinkedIn Learning. Finally, practice and experiment with web animations using tools like Adobe Animate, GreenSock, Anime.js, or Lottie.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?