Expressive Animator is a new, web-based SVG animation software aiming for a streamlined and intuitive workflow. It features a timeline-based interface for creating keyframe animations, supports standard SVG properties and filters, and offers real-time previews. The software emphasizes ease of use and aims to make SVG animation accessible to a wider audience, allowing users to create and export animations for websites, apps, or other projects directly within their browser.
Google's Material 3 design system introduces "expressive" components that adapt their appearance based on user interaction and context. This dynamic adaptation focuses on motion, color, and typography, creating a more personalized and engaging user experience. For example, components can react with subtle animations to touch, adjust color palettes based on user-selected imagery, and scale typography more fluidly across different screen sizes. The goal is to move beyond static design elements and create interfaces that feel more responsive and intuitive.
HN commenters largely criticized Material 3's direction. Several found the new rounded shapes excessive and cartoonish, comparing it unfavorably to Material 2's sharper aesthetic. Some expressed concern about accessibility, particularly with the reduced contrast. Others felt the changes were arbitrary and driven by trends rather than user needs, questioning the value of the research cited. A few commenters pointed out inconsistencies and awkward transitions in Google's own implementation of Material 3. Overall, the sentiment was negative, with many lamenting the perceived decline in usability and visual appeal.
Ultrascience Labs continues to use 88x31 pixel buttons despite advancements in screen resolutions and design trends. This seemingly outdated size stems from their early adoption of the dimension for physical buttons, which translated directly to their digital counterparts. Maintaining this size ensures consistency across their brand and product line, especially for long-time users familiar with the established button dimensions. While acknowledging the peculiarity, they prioritize familiarity and usability over adhering to modern design conventions, viewing the unusual size as a unique identifier and part of their brand identity.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the premise of the article, pointing out that the 88x31 button size became a standard due to early GUI limitations and the subsequent network effects of established tooling and libraries. Some commenters highlighted the inertia in UI design, noting that change is difficult even when the original constraints are gone. Others offered practical reasons for the standard's persistence, such as existing muscle memory and the ease of finding pre-made assets. A few users suggested the size is actually aesthetically pleasing and functional, fitting well within typical UI layouts. One compelling comment thread discussed the challenges of deviating from established norms, citing potential compatibility issues and user confusion as significant barriers to adopting alternative button sizes.
Summary of Comments ( 35 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44087049
HN users generally praised the clean UI and ease of use of Expressive Animator, particularly for simple SVG animations. Several commenters appreciated the web-based nature and the ability to easily copy and paste generated code. Some desired more advanced features, such as easing functions beyond linear and the ability to animate strokes. Comparisons were made to similar tools like SVGator and Synfig Studio, with some arguing Expressive Animator offered a simpler, more accessible entry point. A few users expressed concern over potential vendor lock-in if the service ever shut down, highlighting the importance of exporting code. The developer responded to several comments, addressing feature requests and clarifying aspects of the software's functionality.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: SVG Animation Software" linking to expressive.app/expressive-animator/ has several comments discussing the software and related topics.
Several commenters expressed interest in the software and its capabilities. One user complimented its ease of use, particularly for creating simple animations, stating that it was "really neat for simple animations". They also pointed out the helpfulness of the keyboard shortcuts.
Another user questioned the choice of SVG animation, highlighting the performance issues associated with SVG, especially with complex animations or on lower-powered devices. They expressed a preference for canvas-based animation tools for more demanding projects.
A discussion sparked around the application's Electron-based architecture. One commenter criticized the use of Electron for its resource intensiveness, while another defended it, mentioning its cross-platform compatibility and ease of development as beneficial trade-offs. This led to a broader conversation about the pros and cons of Electron, with some suggesting alternatives like Tauri as a lighter-weight option.
Some comments focused on specific features of the software. One user requested the addition of motion blur, a common animation technique to enhance realism. Another expressed a desire for onion skinning, a feature that displays multiple frames simultaneously, assisting with timing and spacing in animation.
There was also a comparison made to other animation software, like Synfig Studio, with one commenter suggesting Expressive Animator occupied a different niche focused on simplicity and ease of use compared to Synfig Studio's more complex feature set.
Finally, the creator of the software engaged with commenters, responding to questions and acknowledging feature requests. They specifically addressed the performance concerns, explaining the current limitations and outlining plans for future optimization. They also discussed the decision to use Electron, citing its benefits for their development process.