UX Planet explains how to design effective and user-friendly loading spinners to improve user experience during brief waiting periods. The article highlights the importance of using spinners for tasks lasting up to 10 seconds, such as loading data or submitting forms, where they provide immediate feedback and prevent confusion. For tasks under a second, spinners are discouraged in favor of allowing the process to conclude naturally.
The article provides actionable tips for enhancing spinner usability. These include offering users contextual information or approximate wait times to set expectations, crafting clear timeout and error messages for extended loads, and designing animations with smooth, moderate speeds (1–2 seconds per rotation) to avoid discomfort. Unique branding elements can also be incorporated into spinner designs to boost engagement and reinforce the product’s identity.
