Loading animation

Communicating background activity | Atomic | Light | Movement

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Preamble

Type

Atomic Pattern, Communicating background activity

Ranking

* (tentative)

Version

1

Author

Kathrin Pollmann (kathrin.pollmann@iao.fraunhofer.de)

Design Challenge

Interaction Situation

The user has made an input. This input needs to be processed by the robot. The indication of this information processing is not so much a necessity for the robot that should be able to process any input in an instance. Rather, it can be used as a stylistic means for interaction design that helps to slow down the interaction and makes the exchange with the robot more natural and pleasant for the user

Communication
Goal

“I am currently processing or loading information.”

Design Solution

Solution

The process of processing or loading information can best be expressed through two different modalities: The first option is a light animation showing a progressive light signal. The loading process is completed when the last part is illuminated and the light goes out. Use a rather cold color (e.g. blue) for the light animation. The second option is a rotation of the robot. The speed can be adjusted to the loading time. The loading process is completed when the robot’s front faced the user again.

Rationale

In the design of technical systems, loading information is commonly expressed through linear or circular progress indicators. These two concepts are usually realized as visual animations in 2D, but they can also be applied to robots using light or movement. Research indicates that, in addition to motion, cold colors are attention-grabbing. In light animations that communicate information processing, movement of the light signal should thus best be combined with cold light colors such as blue. References and further reading: Google Material Design Library – Progress Indicators: https://material.io/components/progressindicators#usage, Baraka & Veloso, 2018; Choi et al., 2007

References and
Context

Is needed by: Processing, Getting ready to play Matches: Inside Turn

Is opposed to: Input Processing failed

Light

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