The past and present of the skeleton screen — and how to use them

• Introduction to Skeleton Screens:

  • Skeleton screens are a popular loading technique that provides users with a visual preview of a webpage's layout while content is loading in the background. They create a more engaging loading experience compared to traditional loading spinners.

• Skeleton Screens vs. Loading Spinners:

  • Skeleton screens offer a preview of the page's layout, making the loading process seem faster and more engaging. Loading spinners, on the other hand, only indicate that a task is ongoing without showing any layout preview.

• Perceived Performance:

  • The use of skeleton screens can make the loading process appear faster to users as they see the interface gradually taking shape, giving a sense of progress.

• Best Use Cases:

  • Skeleton screens are ideal for content-heavy webpages with multiple elements like images, text, and videos. They enhance user experience by visually indicating progress and page structure during loading.

• IBM Carbon Design System Example:

  • IBM's Carbon Design System incorporates skeleton screens as a loading pattern to improve user experience. The system guides designers on placeholder loading behavior and the gradual replacement of gray boxes with actual content as it loads.

• Best Practices for Using Skeleton Screens:

  • Incorporate motion effects to enhance the loading experience and communicate ongoing activity. Ensure that skeleton screens accurately represent the layout of the page for users to anticipate content placement.

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Introduction to Skeleton Screens:

Skeleton screens enhance loading experience by providing users with a visual preview of a webpage's layout while content is loading.

Skeleton Screens vs. Loading Spinners:

Skeleton screens show layout previews, making loading seem faster, while loading spinners only indicate ongoing tasks without layout previews.

Perceived Performance:

Skeleton screens give a sense of progress, making loading appear faster as the interface gradually takes shape.

Best Use Cases:

Ideal for content-heavy webpages with multiple elements to engage users during loading.

IBM Carbon Design System Example:

IBM Carbon Design System uses skeleton screens to improve user experience, guiding designers on placeholder behavior.

Best Practices for Using Skeleton Screens:

Incorporate motion effects and ensure accurate page layout representation for optimal loading experience.