Best Practices for Implementing Loading Spinners

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 112 views

Angular / Material Dialogs: A UX Discussion on Launching Loading Spinners Over Dialogs

When it comes to creating a seamless user experience in Angular applications, Material Dialogs play a crucial role. However, there's a common dilemma that developers and designers face: how to handle loading spinners when launching dialogs. In this article, we'll delve into the UX implications of loading spinners over dialogs and explore the preferred method for launching loading spinners.

Loading spinners are an essential component of modern web applications, indicating to users that the system is processing their request. However, when launching dialogs, the loading spinner can sometimes appear on top of the dialog, creating a confusing user experience. This can lead to frustration and a negative perception of the application.

UX Method 1: Loading Spinners Over Dialogs

One approach is to load the loading spinner over the dialog, as shown below:

<!-- Dialog with loading spinner -->
<mat-dialog>
  <!-- Dialog content -->
  <mat-spinner *ngIf="loading"></mat-spinner>
  <!-- Dialog actions -->
</mat-dialog>

In this method, the loading spinner is displayed on top of the dialog, indicating to the user that the system is processing their request. However, this approach can be problematic if the dialog is complex or has multiple elements. The loading spinner may overlap with the dialog content, making it difficult for users to understand what's happening.

UX Method 2: Closing the Dialog and Showing the Loading Spinner

Another approach is to close the dialog and then show the loading spinner, as shown below:

<!-- Dialog with loading spinner -->
<mat-dialog>
  <!-- Dialog content -->
  <button (click)="closeDialog()">Close</button>
</mat-dialog>
<!-- Loading spinner -->
<mat-spinner *ngIf="loading"></mat-spinner>

In this method, the dialog is closed, and the loading spinner is displayed, indicating to the user that the system is processing their request. This approach can be more effective, as it provides a clear visual indication of what's happening without overlapping with the dialog content.

So, which method is preferred? The answer lies in UX best practices. When launching dialogs, it's essential to provide a clear visual indication of what's happening. The loading spinner should be displayed in a way that doesn't overlap with the dialog content.

UX Principle 1: Clarity

The first UX principle is clarity. The user should always understand what's happening. In the case of loading spinners, the user should be aware that the system is processing their request.

UX Principle 2: Consistency

The second UX principle is consistency. The user should expect a consistent experience across the application. In the case of loading spinners, the user should expect the spinner to be displayed in a way that's consistent with the application's design.

UX Principle 3: Feedback

The third UX principle is feedback. The user should receive feedback on their actions. In the case of loading spinners, the user should receive feedback on the status of their request.

In conclusion, when launching dialogs in Angular applications, the preferred UX method for launching loading spinners is to close the dialog and then show the loading spinner. This approach provides a clear visual indication of what's happening without overlapping with the dialog content. By following UX best practices, developers and designers can create a seamless user experience that meets the needs of their users.

Best Practices for Implementing Loading Spinners

Here are some best practices for implementing loading spinners in Angular applications:

Use a consistent design: Use a consistent design for loading spinners across the application.
Provide clear feedback: Provide clear feedback on the status of the user's request.
Avoid overlapping: Avoid overlapping the loading spinner with the dialog content.
Use a loading spinner that's easy to understand: Use a loading spinner that's easy to understand, such as a Material Design spinner.
Test the loading spinner: Test the loading spinner to ensure it's working correctly.

Angular Material provides a range of features for creating dialogs, including loading spinners. Here are some key features of Angular Material dialogs:

Dialogs: Angular Material provides a range of dialog components, including a basic dialog and a dialog with a title.
Loading spinners: Angular Material provides a range of loading spinner components, including a basic spinner and a spinner with a title.
Dialog actions: Angular Material provides a range of dialog action components, including a button and a link.
Dialog content: Angular Material provides a range of dialog content components, including a paragraph and a list.

In conclusion, when launching dialogs in Angular applications, the preferred UX method for launching loading spinners is to close the dialog and then show the loading spinner. By following UX best practices and using Angular Material dialogs, developers and designers can create a seamless user experience that meets the needs of their users.
Angular / Material Dialogs: A UX Discussion on Launching Loading Spinners Over Dialogs - Q&A

In our previous article, we discussed the UX implications of loading spinners when launching dialogs in Angular applications. We explored the preferred method for launching loading spinners and provided best practices for implementing loading spinners. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to loading spinners and dialogs.

Q: What is the preferred UX method for launching loading spinners over dialogs?

A: The preferred UX method for launching loading spinners over dialogs is to close the dialog and then show the loading spinner. This approach provides a clear visual indication of what's happening without overlapping with the dialog content.

Q: Why should I avoid loading spinners over dialogs?

A: You should avoid loading spinners over dialogs because it can create a confusing user experience. The loading spinner may overlap with the dialog content, making it difficult for users to understand what's happening.

Q: How can I implement a loading spinner in an Angular Material dialog?

A: You can implement a loading spinner in an Angular Material dialog by using the mat-spinner component. You can add the mat-spinner component to the dialog content and bind it to a variable that indicates whether the loading spinner should be displayed.

Q: What are some best practices for implementing loading spinners?

A: Some best practices for implementing loading spinners include:

Use a consistent design: Use a consistent design for loading spinners across the application.
Provide clear feedback: Provide clear feedback on the status of the user's request.
Avoid overlapping: Avoid overlapping the loading spinner with the dialog content.
Use a loading spinner that's easy to understand: Use a loading spinner that's easy to understand, such as a Material Design spinner.
Test the loading spinner: Test the loading spinner to ensure it's working correctly.

Q: Can I use a different type of loading spinner?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of loading spinner. However, it's essential to ensure that the loading spinner is easy to understand and provides clear feedback on the status of the user's request.

Q: How can I customize the loading spinner?

A: You can customize the loading spinner by using the mat-spinner component's properties, such as the color and size properties. You can also use CSS to customize the loading spinner's appearance.

Q: Can I use a loading spinner with a different animation?

A: Yes, you can use a loading spinner with a different animation. However, it's essential to ensure that the animation is easy to understand and provides clear feedback on the status of the user's request.

Q: How can I handle errors when using a loading spinner?

A: You can handle errors when using a loading spinner by displaying an error message or by providing a retry option. It's essential to ensure that the error message is clear and provides instructions on how to resolve the issue.

In conclusion, loading spinners are an essential component of modern web applications, indicating to users that the system is processing their request. By following UX best practices and using Angular Material dialogs, developers and designers can create a seamless user experience that meets the needs of their users. We hope this Q&A article has provided valuable insights into implementing loading spinners in Angular applications.

Best Practices for Implementing Loading Spinners

Here are some best practices for implementing loading spinners in Angular applications:

Use a consistent design: Use a consistent design for loading spinners across the application.
Provide clear feedback: Provide clear feedback on the status of the user's request.
Avoid overlapping: Avoid overlapping the loading spinner with the dialog content.
Use a loading spinner that's easy to understand: Use a loading spinner that's easy to understand, such as a Material Design spinner.
Test the loading spinner: Test the loading spinner to ensure it's working correctly.

Angular Material provides a range of features for creating dialogs, including loading spinners. Here are some key features of Angular Material dialogs:

Dialogs: Angular Material provides a range of dialog components, including a basic dialog and a dialog with a title.
Loading spinners: Angular Material provides a range of loading spinner components, including a basic spinner and a spinner with a title.
Dialog actions: Angular Material provides a range of dialog action components, including a button and a link.
Dialog content: Angular Material provides a range of dialog content components, including a paragraph and a list.