The design of animations in user interface design remains under-studied. The range of possibilities with animations in user interfaces is vast, and the movement can have positive and negative effects in shaping the user experience. This study sets out to explore how animations can be used by interface designers to improve how people interact with applications, especially as they are learning a new system. Through usability tests, we study how to incorporate animation iteratively by testing new interface designs and listening to participants who are invited to contribute their own ideas and suggestions. This study is conducted in a research approach that prioritises practice and it generates three research outcomes: an exegesis, a design portfolio (the artefact) and an annotated portfolio that bridges between these two. The results indicate that animations should be applied based on the task context and users’ need, otherwise it can cause a negative user experience.