Smooth Operators
CSS transitions interpolate between UI states so changes feel intentional. Learn the four transition properties, why to avoid 'all', when transitions beat keyframes, and how to keep hover effects off touch devices.
All the topics I've covered. I write about React, Next.js, TypeScript, databases, AI/ML, cloud deployment, performance optimization, and system design.
CSS transitions interpolate between UI states so changes feel intentional. Learn the four transition properties, why to avoid 'all', when transitions beat keyframes, and how to keep hover effects off touch devices.
Understand CSS transforms and why they're the foundation of performant animations. Learn translate, rotate, scale, the order trap that catches everyone, and how to think in 3D.
Fix janky CSS animations by understanding the rendering pipeline. Learn which properties trigger GPU acceleration, why transform beats width, and when to choose CSS over JavaScript.
Why taste is the skill that separates good interfaces from great ones. Learn how to develop your intuition for animation, study the work of others, and build the judgment that AI can't replace.
Not every interaction needs motion. Learn how frequency, duration, and context determine whether animation helps or hurts your interface. The difference between delight and frustration.
Move beyond duration-based animations. Learn how spring physics creates motion that responds, adapts, and feels genuinely natural. The secret behind iOS's fluid interactions.
Master easing curves to make your animations feel natural. Learn why linear is almost always wrong, how cubic-bezier works, and which easing to use for different interactions.
Discover why some animations feel natural while others feel off. Explore the brain's wiring for movement, the uncanny valley of UI, and when animation becomes harmful.