Question 1

Skeleton vs Spinner: which should I use?

Accepted Answer

Show the shape of content vs a generic “busy” indicator. Prefer Skeleton Screen when: First list/feed paint; Card grids. Prefer Spinner / Activity Indicator when: Button submit; Unknown duration, small region. What user sees: Skeleton Screen — Gray blocks matching final layout.; Spinner / Activity Indicator — Spinning or looping indicator.. Perceived speed: Skeleton Screen — Feels structured and faster for large regions.; Spinner / Activity Indicator — Fine for short, local waits.. Risk: Skeleton Screen — Skeleton that never resolves feels broken.; Spinner / Activity Indicator — Full-page spinner feels frozen..

Question 2

Is this the first paint of a list or page layout?

Accepted Answer

If yes, lean toward Skeleton Screen; if no, lean toward Spinner / Activity Indicator.

Question 3

Is loading scoped to a single button or control?

Accepted Answer

If yes, lean toward Spinner / Activity Indicator; if no, lean toward Skeleton Screen.

Dimension	Skeleton Screen	Spinner / Activity Indicator
What user sees	Gray blocks matching final layout.	Spinning or looping indicator.
Perceived speed	Feels structured and faster for large regions.	Fine for short, local waits.
Risk	Skeleton that never resolves feels broken.	Full-page spinner feels frozen.

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