Skeleton Screen
Noun · Development
Definitions
A loading state that shows the page's layout structure with placeholder shapes (gray boxes, lines) instead of a spinner or blank page. Creates the perception of faster loading by showing where content will appear. Studies show skeleton screens reduce perceived wait time by up to 30% compared to spinners.
In plain English: Gray placeholder shapes that show where content will appear while a page loads, making it feel faster than a spinning wheel.
Example: "Replace the loading spinner with a skeleton screen — users perceive the page as loading faster when they can see the layout forming."