accessible-motion

Accessible Motion Design

Apply Disney's 12 animation principles while ensuring accessibility for users with vestibular disorders, motion sensitivity, and cognitive disabilities.

Quick Reference

Principle	Accessible Implementation
Squash & Stretch	Opacity/color change instead
Anticipation	State change indication without motion
Staging	Focus management, not motion-based
Straight Ahead / Pose to Pose	Instant state changes
Follow Through / Overlapping	Eliminated or minimal fade
Slow In / Slow Out	Instant or very gentle ease
Arc	Straight or no movement
Secondary Action	Reduced or eliminated
Timing	Instant (0ms) or extended duration
Exaggeration	Removed entirely
Solid Drawing	Static visual clarity
Appeal	Clarity over personality

Core Principle

Animation should enhance understanding, never hinder it. When motion causes harm, provide alternatives that maintain functionality.

Respecting User Preferences

CSS Media Query

/* Default: Full animation */
.element {
    transition: transform 300ms ease-out;
}

/* Reduced motion preference */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    .element {
        transition: opacity 200ms ease-out;
        /* Or no transition at all */
        transition: none;
    }
}

JavaScript Detection

const prefersReducedMotion = window.matchMedia(
    '(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)'
).matches;

if (prefersReducedMotion) {
    // Use instant transitions or subtle fades
} else {
    // Use full animations
}

Principle Adaptations

Squash & Stretch → Replace with opacity or color changes. A button can darken on press instead of compressing. Loading indicators can pulse opacity instead of bouncing.

Anticipation → Use static indicators. Show a loading state immediately rather than animated preparation. Hover states change color instantly rather than scaling.

Staging → Use focus management and visual hierarchy. Scroll to content rather than animated reveals. Static highlighting over motion-based attention.