stephandart.com

We've all seen animation. The loading dots on your screen, the way they follow a circle continuously, even that is animation. Even though it's simple, the principles of animation still apply to it. How so? The illusion of movement. This is done through frames. I believe the best animations use frames to exaggerate actions, thereby giving them a more realistic look.

Take the loading dots for example. The dot flows in a circular pattern, consistently. It doesn't stop at any particular point (other than when your page loads). Personally, I think this makes the animation look boring and plain. If the frames at the top and bottom were held longer than the other frames, however, it could make for an interesting effect. It would make the dot look like it has weight because the build up before rising and falling would be noticeable rather than completely nonexistent. This idea applies to all animation. 

Likewise, the number of frames that exist for a part of a sequence can determine the build up and overall quality of movement. Take the image posted next to the post of the jumping figure. There are only two frames where the man is lifted off the ground; in all the others he is making contact with the ground. If we were to watch it play out, it would look like he is putting a lot of effort into the leap since there are more frames leading up to his jump. However, if it were vice-versa, I think it could make a cool anti-gravity effect (as if he is jumping on the moon) because he would stay in the air longer.

In general, I think the best animation is the type that uses a lot of frames, but only when used to exaggerate a movement. The amount of time between frames is also an important factor that goes into how an action is expressed. That isn't to say that the standard revolving dots aren't bad, but they lack character in comparison to weighted and exaggerated animations like a wind-up throw or the swing of a bat. Perhaps simple constructs like loading screens are best represented by smooth and consistent animations. But it certainly wouldn't beat anything in a contest.