DES 1.5 Avoid using flashing, flicker and unnecessary animation

Recommendations

• Avoid all forms of flickering and blinking:
  • Absolutely do not cause flash or flicker in the 2-59 cycles per second (Hz) range;
  • Don't use <blink> or <marquee> attributes.
• Use other animation with care:
  • Use smooth transitions in animated gifs, applets, third-party plugins, etc;
  • Be particularly careful with large animations, especially if full screen;
  • Ensure equivalent information is provided that is not animation dependent;
  • Provide user controls to start and stop;
  • Limit the number of cycles/repetitions so that animation will stop after a short time;
  • Warn in advance if flashing or flicker will occur.

Tip: Question whether it is really necessary or if a simpler alternative would be just as effective or better. Often a static representation is more effective and it is probably easier to produce.

Examples