Skeleton
Skeleton screens provide an alternative to the traditional loading method. Rather than show an abstract widget, skeleton screens create anticipation of what is to come and reduce cognitive load.
Why it matters
It reframes the wait as progress: the page’s shape arrives first, promising where content will land. It beats spinners by moving attention from “is it working?” to “here it comes” — but only when the skeleton matches the real layout.
Feel it
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The shape arrives first and keeps its promise — every bone lands exactly where its content does.
The numbers
- Match the real layout — a lying skeleton is worse than a spinner
- ~1 second — below that, show nothing; flashes read as flicker
Related terms
Ask your assistant
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