Loading spinners are UI design elements that communicate visually that an operation is processing. It shows the loading state of an action, a section, or a page. Without a loading spinner, people might think that the page is frozen or inactive. This element is encountered in the UI/UX design world and helps create a better user experience.
Loading spinners are used to avoid showing static or blank content. However, they should only be used in cases where the processing state can’t be indicated through a skeleton loading dialog. A UI design loading spinner can be the answer your users need to have when the page or the app doesn’t load properly.
We all have been there. Entering a web design or an app that doesn’t launch and the loading spinner appears to let us know that the site works and we just need to be patient. And we also need to keep in mind that loading spinners can look good.
A loading spinner is one of the most used progress indicators in the UI/UX design world. Every design needs to have one. However, it’s important to keep in mind that loading spinners also need to indicate a sign of progress is occurring.
1. Determinate Loading Spinners
Determinate loading spinners are used in the context of quantifiable activities, and they show how much the operation has been completed and how long it will be fully completed. Use this whenever possible to communicate the status of an action. This way, users will know that the platform is still working and their action is in progress.
2. Indeterminate Loading Spinners
Indeterminate loading spinners are used when it is not possible to measure the time it takes to complete an operation. In UI/UX design, this type of loading spinner does not give users any indication of an ongoing activity, and watching the bar for too long might lead them to leave the platform. When enough data is available, subtly switching to a determinate loading spinner is recommended.
Use loading spinners in cases when:
- When the data for a page or section is processed, it will soon be completed.
- When an action disrupts the interface for over one second.
- When an operation requires running in the background for more than one second.
- Show it as rarely as possible.
Multiple loading spinners will decrease the user experience and annoy users, leading to them leaving the platform. This is the same for progress bars as well, when used to show the loading activity. So, try to build your website or application so that it will show the loading spinner as rarely as possible. For a better experience, give a visual estimation of the approximate time left.
The content should explain clearly why users have to wait. Provide descriptive information regarding the process by displaying the action verb that initiated the loading spinner. If no action has been initiated, indicate the process in the background rather than using vague words. For example, use “Verifying” instead of “Loading”.
- Make the waiting time more bearable.
In UX design, it’s recommended that the desired content be displayed as soon as possible. But in cases when this can’t be achieved, while users wait, provide them with something else to entertain them. For example, an animation, a short video, or other information that will distract them from waiting.
In UI design, loading spinners should be positioned at the center of the page or section that is currently loading. If only one element is processing, the spinner should not block the interaction with the other elements on the user interface.
We at uinkits understand the importance of great user experiences and creating amazing UI designs. That’s why we’ve developed a Figma UI Kit with design components that include these essential UI elements that enable you to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces effortlessly.
“You press the button, we do the rest,” – Kodak.
Inspired by this iconic tagline from Kodak, we believe in simplifying the design process for you. Our Figma UI Kit, uinkits, is a complete design system with UI components that allows you, as a UI UX designer, to create your products as quickly as pressing a button.
Our design system includes components, icons, variables, cards, buttons, and everything you need for your design process. All you have to do is take your UI design component needed, and you’re ready to use it in your designs!
