---
name: deliberate-1200-2000ms
description: Use when building slow intentional animations between 1200-2000ms - app intros, loading sequences, storytelling moments that create emotional resonance
---

# Deliberate Animations (1200-2000ms)

At 1200-2000ms, you're creating **experiences, not interfaces**. This duration is for moments of genuine storytelling where animation itself is the content.

## Disney Principles at Deliberate Speed

### Full Narrative Expression

**Squash & Stretch**: Character-defining - 30-40% deformation creates personality. Objects become characters.

**Anticipation**: Full dramatic preparation - 300-400ms wind-up creates tension and expectation.

**Staging**: Scene direction - think cinematography. Establish shot, then detail. Clear narrative flow.

**Straight Ahead/Pose to Pose**: Pose to pose mandatory - 6-10 key poses define the narrative arc.

**Follow Through**: Extended settling - 300-500ms of secondary motion after primary completes.

**Slow In/Slow Out**: Narrative pacing - ease curves tell emotional stories. Sharp starts mean urgency, soft ends mean resolution.

**Arcs**: Orchestrated paths - motion paths are designed, not default. Each element's trajectory contributes to composition.

**Secondary Action**: Full ecosystem - primary, secondary, tertiary, ambient all working together.

**Timing**: 72-120 frames at 60fps. Animation-quality frame counts.

**Exaggeration**: Emotional amplification - push for feeling, not just movement.

**Solid Drawing**: Dimensional storytelling - parallax, depth, perspective shifts create space.

**Appeal**: Deep emotional engagement - users feel something during these animations.

## Easing Recommendations

```css
/* Narrative arc - beginning, middle, end */
animation-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.34, 0, 0.14, 1);

/* Graceful, considered motion */
transition: all 1500ms cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);

/* Building momentum */
transition: all 1800ms cubic-bezier(0.65, 0, 0.35, 1);

/* Elastic storytelling */
transition: transform 1600ms cubic-bezier(0.68, -0.6, 0.32, 1.6);
```

## Best Use Cases

- App splash/launch sequences
- Brand moments
- Tutorial narratives
- Achievement celebrations
- Milestone animations
- Emotional state changes (error to success)
- Story-driven onboarding
- Feature announcements

## Implementation Pattern

```css
@keyframes appLaunch {
  0% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: scale(0.6) translateY(50px);
    filter: blur(10px);
  }
  30% {
    opacity: 1;
    filter: blur(5px);
  }
  60% {
    transform: scale(1.02) translateY(-10px);
    filter: blur(0);
  }
  80% {
    transform: scale(0.99) translateY(5px);
  }
  100% {
    transform: scale(1) translateY(0);
  }
}

.app-launch {
  animation: appLaunch 1800ms cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) forwards;
}
```

## Critical Considerations

- Users MUST be able to skip/dismiss
- Never block critical paths
- Avoid on repeat visits (detect returning users)
- Must add genuine value, not decoration
- Test for motion sensitivity (prefer reduced motion)

## Key Insight

Deliberate animations are **brand investments**. They don't just show what's happening - they make users feel something. Budget for design, iteration, and testing. These moments define perceived quality.


---
Source attribution: dylantarre
Original project: https://github.com/dylantarre/animation-principles/blob/83597134ba8ff59838270f94d7ac7282ffa3b54d/skills/10-by-time-scale/deliberate-1200-2000ms/SKILL.md
License: MIT
License information: https://opensource.org/license/mit
Original upstream instructions; downloaded from Dave AI.

## Upstream license notice

MIT License

Copyright (c) 2024 Dylan Tarre

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:

The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
copies or substantial portions of the Software.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
SOFTWARE.



# Dave AI resource metadata

Creator / publisher: dylantarre
Original project: https://github.com/dylantarre/animation-principles/blob/83597134ba8ff59838270f94d7ac7282ffa3b54d/skills/10-by-time-scale/deliberate-1200-2000ms/SKILL.md
Attribution basis: Recovered original package and original project license at a pinned revision

Fields of work: Design, Development & Engineering
Roles: Frontend Developer, Graphic Designer, Motion Designer, Product Designer, UX Designer
Specialties: Cross Platform, Design, Frontend
Tools: Tool not specified
Country applicability: Country not specified
Classification basis: Source catalog labels
Instruction SHA-256: 3d5144873bfaa37fe78946cc5abf3c3e554241f3b2b5560050da7582916b9f3c
Metadata reviewed: 2026-10-27
This metadata supersedes earlier Dave AI catalog attribution. Original instruction and supporting files are preserved.