ADR 0149: Calm transcript running-status motion

• Status: Accepted
• Date: 2026-09-04
• Deciders: PI-Desktop core
• Related: D071, D290, E2E-053, E2E-083

Context

The transcript used a fast gradient shimmer clipped into the text of the pre-stream Working indicator and active thinking/tool labels. Because the foreground highlight moved through each glyph, the status copy changed contrast continuously and was harder to scan during a long run. The existing tool spinner and streaming rail already provide motion for the concrete live states.

Decision

Running transcript copy remains a static, readable semantic text color. The pre-stream Working indicator adds a compact three-dot marker with a staggered one-second opacity/scale pulse. Active thinking and tool labels use one small status marker with a one-second opacity pulse instead of a text shimmer. Tool spinners, run-row status dots, and the assistant streaming rail keep their existing state feedback.

All new marker motion is disabled under prefers-reduced-motion: reduce; the text and static marker remain visible so state is never conveyed by motion alone. No protocol, persistence, runtime, or localization contract changes.

Consequences

• Working and active tool labels stay legible at every animation frame.
• The transcript has one restrained loading language: readable copy plus a small status marker, without a moving highlight over text.
• Tests and rendered review should verify both light/dark themes and reduced motion, especially while a turn has not produced its first event.

Alternatives rejected

• Keep the text shimmer and slow it down: slower contrast changes still make the label itself unstable and provide little additional state information.
• Replace the status with a large card or progress timeline: this would add decorative surface and density to a transient state that needs only a wait signal.