What are skeleton screens and how do they improve user experience?

What are skeleton screens and how do they improve user experience?

Skeleton screens are placeholders that show a loading state while content is being fetched. They enhance user experience by providing a visual cue that something is happening, reducing perceived wait time.

Can you give me an example of a skeleton screen?

Sure! A common example is a gray box that appears where an image will load, along with lines of text that mimic the layout of the final content.

Why are they better than traditional loading spinners?

Skeleton screens are generally better because they give users a sense of the layout and content structure, making the wait feel shorter compared to just a spinning icon.

Are there any downsides to using skeleton screens?

Yes, if not implemented correctly, they can confuse users or lead to a mismatch between the skeleton and the actual content, which can be frustrating.