2 responses to “Does this design strategy have a name? (Blurred layout on load)”

1. Yes, the design strategy you’re referring to is commonly known as “Progressive Content Loading” or “Blurred Loading.” This technique involves displaying a blurred or skeleton layout while the actual content loads, which helps create a smoother user experience and can significantly reduce cumulative layout shift (CLS). This practice not only diminishes the perception of wait time but also gives users an immediate visual anchor, which can improve engagement and satisfaction with your interface.

   Why Use Blurred Loading?

   1. Improved User Experience: By offering a blurred or skeleton UI during loading, users are less likely to experience frustration associated with empty states. It gives them something to focus on while the main content loads, making the waiting time feel shorter.

   2. Reduced Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): CLS is a critical web vitals metric that measures how much visible content shifts during the loading phase. By providing a stable visual layout, even if it’s blurred, you help maintain the user’s sense of direction on the page, thereby improving your site’s performance metrics.

   3. Visual Continuity: A blurred layout keeps the user oriented and helps set expectations for the type of content they should anticipate. This is particularly effective in dynamic applications where content loading can vary significantly.

   Practical Implementation

   Here are some practical steps to implement this strategy effectively on your WordPress site:

   1. CSS for Blurred Overlay:
      You can create a simple blurred effect using CSS. Here’s a basic example:
      css
.blurred-layout {
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5); /* Semi-transparent background */
filter: blur(5px); /* Adjust blur strength */
position: absolute; /* Position above the content */
top: 0;
left: 0;
width: 100%; /* Cover full width */
height: 100%; /* Cover full height */
z-index: 999; /* Ensure it's above other elements */
}

   2. JavaScript to Control Loading State:
      Use JavaScript to show the blurred layout until your content is ready. You could employ the following logic:
      “`javascript
      document.addEventListener(“DOMContentLoaded”, function() {
      const content = document.querySelector(‘.content’); // Main content area
      const blurredLayout = document.querySelector(‘.blurred-layout’); // Blurred layout

      // Simulate content loading
      setTimeout(() => {
      blurredLayout.style.display = ‘none’; // Hide blurred layout
      content.style.display = ‘block’; // Show content
      }, 2000); // Adjust time as needed
      });
      “`

   3. Testing and Optimization:

   4. Lighthouse Testing: Utilize Google Lighthouse to measure your site’s CLS score before and after implementing the blurred layout. Monitor how your changes impact the score and user experience.

   5. Adjust Blur and Timing: Experiment with different levels of blur and the duration or timing of the loading state to find the most effective balance.

   6. Frameworks and Plugins: If you’re not comfortable with manual coding, consider using WordPress plugins that offer lazy loading or skeleton screen features. You can customize them to match your design needs.

   Implementing a blurred loading layout not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your site but also aligns it with best practices in UX design. It’s a powerful way to improve your metrics while keeping your audience engaged, making your site more user-friendly and visually coherent from the moment it’s accessed.

   Reply

2. This post brilliantly highlights the importance of aesthetic design in improving user experience, and the concept of blurred layouts during loading is a fantastic example of balancing functionality with visual appeal. One aspect that’s worth discussing further is the psychological impact of blurred loading on user perception. By obscuring content during loading, designers not only prevent abrupt layout shifts but also create a sense of anticipation. This can reduce anxiety related to waiting, as users are given something to focus on even if the content isn’t fully visible yet.

   Moreover, while implementing this technique, it might be beneficial to consider the type of content being blurred. For instance, using a low-contrast blur can keep the user’s attention while maintaining a sense of contextual relevance as they await the fully rendered page.

   Additionally, combining blurred loading with other techniques—like skeleton screens or progress indicators—can enhance the overall experience even more. This layered approach can inform users about loading status while keeping them engaged.

   I’d love to hear about any specific tools or methods that others have found effective for implementing blurred loading. What are some challenges you’ve faced when integrating this technique into your design process?

   Reply