# 2026-01-07-ux-enhancements-animations.md: UX Enhancements & Micro-Interactions

**Status:** Draft
**Created:** 2026-01-07
**Tags:** ux, animation, interactivity, frontend

## 1. Context & User Story
* **As a:** User interacting with the dashboard
* **I want to:** See smooth transitions and immediate feedback when interacting with elements
* **So that:** The application feels responsive, "alive," and high-quality.

## 2. Technical Requirements
### Data Model Changes
- N/A

### API / Interface
- N/A

## 3. Constraints & Validations (CRITICAL)
- **Performance:** Animations must use `transform` and `opacity` properties to ensure 60fps performance without triggering expensive layout reflows.
- **Accessibility:** Respect `prefers-reduced-motion` media queries to disable animations for sensitive users.
- **Subtlety:** Animations should be fast and subtle (e.g., 150ms-300ms), not distracting.

## 4. Acceptance Criteria
1. [ ] Content fades in smoothly when the page loads.
2. [ ] Interactive elements (buttons, links, cards) have hover effects (scale, lift, or glow) that provide visual feedback.
3. [ ] A subtle, dynamic background effect (e.g., slow gradient mesh or blur) is implemented to remove the "flat" look.
4. [ ] Loading states (skeletons or spinners) are available for future dynamic content.

## 5. Implementation Plan
- [ ] Add keyframe animations for entry transitions (fade-in, slide-up) in `style.css`.
- [ ] Apply hover transitions to `.card` and navigation links.
- [ ] Implement a subtle background gradient using `background-image` or pseudo-elements.
- [ ] Add `prefers-reduced-motion` overrides.