Shimmer Effect

Definitions

1. A loading placeholder animation — popularized by Facebook — that displays gray shapes mirroring the expected content layout with a sweeping gradient highlight moving across them, signaling that data is being fetched and reducing perceived wait time compared to a spinner.

   In plain English: A shiny wave animation over gray placeholder shapes that shows where content will appear while the page is still loading.

   Example: "Replace the loading spinner with a shimmer effect that matches the card layout — users perceive it as faster even though the load time is the same."

Related Terms

• Dark Pattern
• User Story
• Design System
• Main Thread
• Modal
• Motion Design
• Progressive Loading
• Subcommand
• Table View
• Toast
• Change Detection
• Custom Renderer