Loading spinners: Their purpose and alternatives for better UX
- Loading spinners are used to provide immediate visual feedback to users during instances where a system is processing data, performing an action, or fetching information.
- They help alleviate user anxiety and reduce uncertainty by signaling that an operation is in progress and their request is being addressed.
- Loading spinners play a psychological role in reducing perceived waiting time, making the user's wait more tolerable.
- Circular spinners are the most common type, featuring a rotating circle or set of circles.
- Determinate loading bars display progress with a clear endpoint, while indeterminate loading bars show ongoing activity without specifying progress.
- Text-based spinners use minimalistic text messages like "Loading..." or "Please wait" to convey information.