Animated interfaces can greatly enhance user experience, but they also introduce important accessibility concerns. Some users experience motion sensitivities that can make animations distracting or even physically uncomfortable. In addition, improper animation implementation can interfere with focus management, making it difficult for users who rely on keyboard navigation or assistive technologies to interact with your app. Ensuring that your animations do not hinder usability is a crucial part of building inclusive React applications.

When considering accessibility in animation, two main concerns arise: respecting user preferences for reduced motion, and maintaining proper focus management throughout animated transitions. Users may configure their operating systems or browsers to minimize motion, and your app should honor this preference. Furthermore, animated elements should never trap focus or prevent users from understanding where their current focus is, especially during transitions or when elements appear and disappear.

To build accessible animations with Framer Motion, follow these guidelines:

• Always check for user motion preferences and adjust or disable animations accordingly;
• Use the prefers-reduced-motion media query to detect if the user has requested reduced motion;
• Avoid animating properties that cause large-scale movements or sudden flashes, as these can be disorienting;
• Ensure that animated elements remain accessible by keyboard and screen reader users, maintaining logical focus order and visibility;
• Provide alternative cues (such as changes in color or outline) for users who might not perceive subtle animation effects.