orchestrated-sequences

Orchestrated Sequences

Orchestrated sequences coordinate multiple elements across time. Like a conductor directing an orchestra, you control when each element enters, how it moves, and how elements relate.

Disney Principles for Orchestration

Ensemble Coordination

Squash & Stretch: Unified style - all elements should share consistent elasticity. Mix bouncy and stiff looks chaotic.

Anticipation: Staggered preparation - lead element anticipates first, others follow in sequence.

Staging: Clear hierarchy - primary action leads, secondary elements support but don't compete.

Straight Ahead/Pose to Pose: Pose to pose mandatory - choreography requires precise timing control.

Follow Through: Cascading settle - elements land in sequence with overlapping follow-through.

Slow In/Slow Out: Shared easing family - use variations of same curve for cohesion.

Arcs: Coordinated paths - elements should move in complementary directions, not randomly.

Secondary Action: Intentional support - every element has a role in the composition.

Timing: The heart of orchestration - stagger delays, duration variations, tempo changes.

Exaggeration: Proportional emphasis - primary elements more exaggerated, supporting less.

Solid Drawing: Consistent dimensional logic - shared perspective, depth, scale relationships.

Appeal: Unified performance - the sequence should feel like one composed moment.

Timing Strategies

/* Linear stagger - equal delays */
.item:nth-child(n) {
  transition-delay: calc(var(--index) * 50ms);
}

/* Accelerating stagger - getting faster */
.item:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0ms; }
.item:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 80ms; }
.item:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 140ms; }
.item:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 180ms; }

/* Decelerating stagger - slowing down */
.item:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0ms; }
.item:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 40ms; }
.item:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 100ms; }
.item:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 180ms; }