iOS Animation Design Plan animations that feel intentional, not decorative. Apple's HIG is clear: "Don't add motion for the sake of adding motion. Gratuitous or excessive animation can distract people and may make them feel disconnected or physically uncomfortable." Every animation must serve a purpose — guide attention, communicate state changes, reinforce spatial relationships, or provide feedback. Before adding any custom animation, ask: does the system already handle this? Many system components include motion automatically — Liquid Glass (iOS 26) responds to touch with greater emphasis a…