What are main disadvantages of user interface animation and, in particular, of decorative animation, and how to keep a balance in the UI?
As introduction, I think the animations are an useful tool and I think it is clear that we could define several groups of animation that have clear benefits, like: microinteractions, animations showing the path of the process and explanatory animations.
Now, what about decorative animation?
Some of the disadvantages could be: slow loading, overloading the screen/page, distraction.
What do you think? When decorative animation is a good use and it is good or bad for UX?
Update: Because in the comments was a question regarding the definition of decorative animation, I'd like to share with you an explanation that I liked:
The word “decorative” says it all. The main purpose of decorative animations is to attract people. This intends to develop user interface designs that are original and appealing to the eyes. It gives life to the interfaces as well as presents it in a more interesting form to the viewer though it will not contain any important features to give a spark to an interaction process. The main objective is to grab user’s attention towards the image that stands apart from the rest.
