Using splash screens effectively in UI Design

A splash screen, when used correctly, serves a specific and valuable purpose: to convey to the user that the application has indeed been launched and that it is still in the process of loading. A branded image or resource-light animation acts as the app’s virtual waiting room and can reinforce a company’s brand recognition.

A splash screen becomes a detriment, though, if it neglects to offer the user any information on the application’s loading status. Even worse, if the splash screen remains unchanged after the application has finished loading, requiring the user to navigate away from the splash screen graphics to enter the program. It can confuse the user if they are still staring at the splash screen when they are expecting the screen to be removed once its purpose has been served.

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