When you lock a Google Nexus phone, there is a short animation where the screen shuts off using an effect reminiscent of switching off an old CRT TV. If flat panel displays have robbed your memory of this visual, picture the HBO outro clip that plays after a show ends.
This animation was added to Android a couple of years ago but I haven’t seen it mentioned. It’s the perfect type of whimsical: it’s over in a split second, the timing ensures it never blocks you from interacting with the UI, and the only purpose it serves is fun.[1]
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It’s also a nice example of good skeuomorphic design. ↩