Term
Skeleton Screen
Definition
A skeleton screen is a temporary display that appears on a webpage while the actual content is loading. It helps reduce the amount of time users feel they are waiting.
Where you'll find it
Skeleton screens are typically used during the initial loading of a webpage or when data is being fetched dynamically from servers. They are a common feature in various web design platforms and frameworks.
Common use cases
- On e-commerce sites, to show outlines of product images and text areas while the details load.
- In applications, to display basic form shapes while user data is retrieved.
- On news sites, to present the layout of articles and images as the content loads.
Things to watch out for
- Ensure that the skeleton screen closely matches the final content layout to avoid confusing users when the actual content appears.
- Avoid overuse, which might suggest to users that your website is slower than it is.
- Be mindful that not all web design tools provide equal support for customizing skeleton screens.
Related terms
- Loading time
- User Experience (UX)
- Dynamic content
- Webpage rendering
- Placeholder
Pixelhaze Tip: Keep skeleton screens subtle and reflective of your overall design theme. They are there to improve user experience, not distract, so aim for a balance between utility and aesthetics.