Project Overview I created a refreshed launch animation for a major app update—introducing 2-factor authentication—with the goal of making the moment feel both meaningful and on-brand.

The Challenge The existing animation felt more like a settings toggle than a launch. It lacked narrative, hierarchy, and a clear signal that something important was changing. It was my job to turn that little interaction into a confident, branded announcement in just a few seconds.

Intro / Summary This was about more than just spinning an icon—it was a moment of transformation. I designed a 360° rotating launch icon to combine motion with brand identity, giving the update a lively and intentional feel. The real test was getting the gradient to spin consistently and smoothly—the gradient’s moodiness nearly stole the show.

I started by auditing their current motion graphic to identify what worked. The only thing worth keeping was the gear rotation — but it felt misplaced for a launch.

I explored two main concepts: one that leaned into the gear motif, and another that embraced a bold launch icon built around their logo.

Since the update was all about introducing 2-factor authentication, I designed a sequence where, right after the launch icon spins, the 2FA screen fades in. That way, the user sees why this moment matters before the final logo appears.

Motion Exploration I tested different visual directions to find the right emotional tone:

Option A: Literal “settings” visuals (gears, rotations)

Option B: A more expressive, brand-infused launch icon Option B won out for its clarity and narrative strength.

Final Animation The finished animation begins with the 360° launch icon. After a smooth spin, a clean fade reveals the 2-factor authentication screen, then transitions into a simplified logo moment to close out with trust and clarity.

Impact This animation elevated a functional update into a branded launch moment. It made the 2FA feature feel more intentional and helped the client communicate security in a way that felt confident—and not too intimidating. The client appreciated how the new motion brought polish and storytelling to what could’ve been a subtle, forgettable update.