diff --git a/app/[locale]/books/page.tsx b/app/[locale]/books/page.tsx
index 09ed1e5..3cd33b8 100644
--- a/app/[locale]/books/page.tsx
+++ b/app/[locale]/books/page.tsx
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ export default function BooksPage() {
               href={`/${locale}`}
               className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 text-stone-500 hover:text-stone-900 dark:hover:text-white transition-colors mb-10 group"
             >
-              <ArrowLeft size={20} className="group-hover:-translate-x-1 transition-transform" />
+              <ArrowLeft size={20} className="group-hover:-translate-x-1 transition-transform duration-200 ease-out" />
               <span className="font-bold uppercase tracking-widest text-xs">{common("backToHome")}</span>
             </Link>
             <h1 className="text-6xl md:text-[10rem] font-black tracking-tighter text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 leading-[0.85] uppercase">
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ export default function BooksPage() {
             ) : (
               reviews.map((review, i) => (
                 <ScrollFadeIn key={review.id} delay={i * 0.1}>
-                  <div className="bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 rounded-[2.5rem] p-10 border border-stone-200/60 dark:border-stone-800/60 shadow-sm flex flex-col h-full hover:shadow-xl transition-all">
+                  <div className="bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 rounded-[2.5rem] p-10 border border-stone-200/60 dark:border-stone-800/60 shadow-sm flex flex-col h-full hover:shadow-xl transition-shadow duration-300 ease-out">
                     {review.book_image && (
                       <div className="relative aspect-[3/4] rounded-2xl overflow-hidden mb-8 shadow-xl border-4 border-stone-50 dark:border-stone-800">
                         <Image src={review.book_image} alt={review.book_title} fill className="object-cover" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 33vw" />
diff --git a/app/_ui/ProjectDetailClient.tsx b/app/_ui/ProjectDetailClient.tsx
index 90c1393..1f7713d 100644
--- a/app/_ui/ProjectDetailClient.tsx
+++ b/app/_ui/ProjectDetailClient.tsx
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ export default function ProjectDetailClient({
           onClick={handleBack}
           className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 text-stone-500 hover:text-stone-900 dark:hover:text-white transition-colors mb-12 group bg-transparent border-none cursor-pointer"
         >
-          <ArrowLeft size={20} className="group-hover:-translate-x-1 transition-transform" />
+          <ArrowLeft size={20} className="group-hover:-translate-x-1 transition-transform duration-200 ease-out" />
           <span className="font-bold uppercase tracking-widest text-xs">
             {tCommon("back")}
           </span>
@@ -127,11 +127,11 @@ export default function ProjectDetailClient({
 
                             {project.live && project.live !== "#" && (
 
-                              <a href={project.live} target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" className="flex items-center justify-between w-full p-5 bg-white text-stone-900 rounded-2xl font-black hover:scale-105 transition-transform group">
+                              <a href={project.live} target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" className="flex items-center justify-between w-full p-5 bg-white text-stone-900 rounded-2xl font-black active:scale-[0.97] transition-transform duration-150 ease-out group">
 
                                 <span>{project.button_live_label || tDetail("liveDemo")}</span>
 
-                                <ExternalLink size={20} className="group-hover:translate-x-1 transition-transform" />
+                                <ExternalLink size={20} className="group-hover:translate-x-1 transition-transform duration-200 ease-out" />
 
                               </a>
 
diff --git a/app/_ui/ProjectsPageClient.tsx b/app/_ui/ProjectsPageClient.tsx
index d05d6b0..fb4de53 100644
--- a/app/_ui/ProjectsPageClient.tsx
+++ b/app/_ui/ProjectsPageClient.tsx
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ export default function ProjectsPageClient({
             href={`/${locale}`}
             className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 text-stone-500 hover:text-stone-900 dark:hover:text-white transition-colors mb-10 group"
           >
-            <ArrowLeft size={20} className="group-hover:-translate-x-1 transition-transform" />
+            <ArrowLeft size={20} className="group-hover:-translate-x-1 transition-transform duration-200 ease-out" />
             <span className="font-bold uppercase tracking-widest text-xs">{tCommon("backToHome")}</span>
           </Link>
           
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ export default function ProjectsPageClient({
               <button
                 key={cat}
                 onClick={() => setSelectedCategory(cat)}
-                className={`px-6 py-2 rounded-full text-[10px] font-black uppercase tracking-widest transition-all ${
+                className={`px-6 py-2 rounded-full text-[10px] font-black uppercase tracking-widest transition-[background-color,color,transform] duration-150 ease-out active:scale-[0.97] ${
                   selectedCategory === cat 
                     ? "bg-stone-900 dark:bg-stone-100 text-white dark:text-stone-900" 
                     : "bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 text-stone-500 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-800"
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ export default function ProjectsPageClient({
               placeholder={tList("searchPlaceholder")}
               value={searchQuery}
               onChange={(e) => setSearchQuery(e.target.value)}
-              className="w-full bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-800 rounded-2xl py-4 pl-12 pr-6 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/30 transition-all shadow-sm"
+              className="w-full bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-800 rounded-2xl py-4 pl-12 pr-6 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/30 transition-[border-color,box-shadow,background-color] duration-150 ease-out shadow-sm"
             />
           </div>
         </div>
@@ -125,12 +125,12 @@ export default function ProjectsPageClient({
             ))
           ) : (
             filteredProjects.map((project) => (
-            <motion.div key={project.id} initial={{ opacity: 0, y: 20 }} whileInView={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }} viewport={{ once: true }}>
+            <motion.div key={project.id} initial={{ opacity: 0, y: 16 }} whileInView={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }} viewport={{ once: true, margin: "-60px" }} transition={{ duration: 0.5, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] }}>
               <Link href={`/${locale}/projects/${project.slug}`} className="group block h-full">
-                <div className="bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 rounded-[3rem] p-10 border border-stone-200/60 dark:border-stone-800/60 shadow-sm h-full hover:shadow-xl transition-all flex flex-col">
+                <div className="bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 rounded-[3rem] p-10 border border-stone-200/60 dark:border-stone-800/60 shadow-sm h-full hover:shadow-xl transition-shadow duration-300 ease-out flex flex-col">
                   {project.imageUrl ? (
                     <div className="relative aspect-[16/10] rounded-[2rem] overflow-hidden mb-8 border-4 border-stone-50 dark:border-stone-800 shadow-lg">
-                      <Image src={project.imageUrl} alt={project.title} fill className="object-cover group-hover:scale-105 transition-transform duration-700" />
+                      <Image src={project.imageUrl} alt={project.title} fill className="object-cover group-hover:scale-[1.03] transition-transform duration-500 ease-out" />
                     </div>
                   ) : (
                     <div className="relative aspect-[16/10] rounded-[2rem] overflow-hidden mb-8 border-4 border-stone-50 dark:border-stone-800 shadow-lg">
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ export default function ProjectsPageClient({
                   <div className="flex-1 flex flex-col">
                     <div className="flex justify-between items-start mb-4">
                       <h3 className="text-3xl font-black text-stone-900 dark:text-white uppercase tracking-tight">{project.title}</h3>
-                      <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-full bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover:bg-stone-50 group-hover:text-white dark:group-hover:text-stone-900 transition-all">
+                      <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-full bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover:bg-stone-50 group-hover:text-white dark:group-hover:text-stone-900 transition-colors duration-200">
                         <ArrowUpRight size={20} />
                       </div>
                     </div>
diff --git a/app/components/About.tsx b/app/components/About.tsx
index f0dd2e7..92acedf 100644
--- a/app/components/About.tsx
+++ b/app/components/About.tsx
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ const About = () => {
                 <h3 className="text-xl sm:text-2xl font-black text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 flex items-center gap-2 sm:gap-3 uppercase tracking-tighter">
                   <BookOpen className="text-liquid-purple" size={24} /> {at("library")}
                 </h3>
-                <Link href={`/${locale}/books`} className="group/link flex items-center gap-2 text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-100 font-black border-b-2 border-stone-900 dark:border-stone-100 pb-1 hover:opacity-70 transition-all">
+                <Link href={`/${locale}/books`} className="group/link flex items-center gap-2 text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-100 font-black border-b-2 border-stone-900 dark:border-stone-100 pb-1 hover:opacity-70 transition-opacity">
                   {at("viewAll")} <ArrowRight size={14} className="group-hover/link:translate-x-1 transition-transform" />
                 </Link>
               </div>
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ const About = () => {
                     return (
                       <div key={hobby.id} className="p-3 sm:p-4 md:p-6 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 hover:border-liquid-mint transition-colors group">
                         <div className="flex items-center gap-2 sm:gap-3 mb-1.5 sm:mb-3">
-                          <Icon size={16} className="text-liquid-mint group-hover:scale-110 transition-transform shrink-0 sm:w-5 sm:h-5" />
+                          <Icon size={16} className="text-liquid-mint group-hover:scale-110 transition-transform duration-200 ease-out shrink-0 sm:w-5 sm:h-5" />
                           <h4 className="font-bold text-xs sm:text-sm text-stone-800 dark:text-stone-200 uppercase tracking-tight">{hobby.title}</h4>
                         </div>
                         <p className="text-[11px] sm:text-xs text-stone-500 dark:text-stone-400 font-medium leading-relaxed hidden sm:block">
diff --git a/app/components/ActivityFeed.tsx b/app/components/ActivityFeed.tsx
index cf65b01..69d8284 100644
--- a/app/components/ActivityFeed.tsx
+++ b/app/components/ActivityFeed.tsx
@@ -130,8 +130,8 @@ export default function ActivityFeed({
               key={quoteIndex}
               initial={{ opacity: 0, y: 10 }}
               animate={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
-              exit={{ opacity: 0, y: -10 }}
-              transition={{ duration: 0.5 }}
+              exit={{ opacity: 0, y: -6, filter: "blur(2px)", transition: { duration: 0.2, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] } }}
+              transition={{ duration: 0.4, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] }}
               className="space-y-4"
             >
               <p className="text-base sm:text-lg md:text-xl lg:text-2xl font-light leading-tight text-stone-400 dark:text-stone-400 italic">
@@ -207,14 +207,14 @@ export default function ActivityFeed({
               {[0, 1, 2].map((i) => (
                 <motion.div
                   key={i}
-                  animate={{ height: ["20%", "100%", "20%"] }}
+                  animate={{ scaleY: [0.2, 1, 0.2] }}
                   transition={{ 
                     duration: 0.8, 
                     repeat: Infinity, 
                     delay: i * 0.2,
                     ease: "easeInOut" 
                   }}
-                  className="w-[2px] bg-[#1DB954] rounded-full"
+                  className="w-[2px] h-full origin-bottom bg-[#1DB954] rounded-full"
                 />
               ))}
             </div>
@@ -225,12 +225,12 @@ export default function ActivityFeed({
             rel="noopener noreferrer"
             className="flex gap-4 relative z-10"
           >
-            <div className="w-16 h-16 rounded-lg overflow-hidden shrink-0 shadow-md relative group-hover:shadow-xl transition-shadow duration-500">
+            <div className="w-16 h-16 rounded-lg overflow-hidden shrink-0 shadow-md relative group-hover:shadow-xl transition-shadow duration-300">
               <Image
                 src={data.music.albumArt}
                 alt="Album Art"
                 fill
-                className="object-cover transition-transform duration-700 group-hover:scale-110"
+                className="object-cover transition-transform duration-500 ease-out group-hover:scale-105"
                 sizes="64px"
               />
             </div>
diff --git a/app/components/BentoChat.tsx b/app/components/BentoChat.tsx
index 2a2170d..f872ecc 100644
--- a/app/components/BentoChat.tsx
+++ b/app/components/BentoChat.tsx
@@ -103,9 +103,9 @@ export default function BentoChat() {
           onChange={(e) => setInputValue(e.target.value)}
           onKeyDown={(e) => e.key === "Enter" && handleSend()}
           placeholder="Ask me..."
-          className="w-full bg-white dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-2xl py-3 pl-4 pr-12 text-sm focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-purple/30 transition-all shadow-inner dark:text-white"
+          className="w-full bg-white dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-2xl py-3 pl-4 pr-12 text-sm focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-purple/30 transition-[border-color,box-shadow,background-color] duration-150 ease-out shadow-inner dark:text-white"
         />
-        <button onClick={handleSend} aria-label="Send message" className="absolute right-2 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 p-2 text-liquid-purple hover:scale-110 transition-transform">
+        <button onClick={handleSend} aria-label="Send message" className="absolute right-2 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 p-2 text-liquid-purple active:scale-[0.97] transition-transform duration-150 ease-out">
           <Send size={18} />
         </button>
       </div>
diff --git a/app/components/ChatWidget.tsx b/app/components/ChatWidget.tsx
index 4bf5790..db9e3ec 100644
--- a/app/components/ChatWidget.tsx
+++ b/app/components/ChatWidget.tsx
@@ -287,23 +287,23 @@ export default function ChatWidget() {
           <motion.div
             role="button"
             tabIndex={0}
-            initial={{ scale: 0, opacity: 0 }}
-            animate={{ scale: 1, opacity: 1 }}
-            exit={{ scale: 0, opacity: 0 }}
+            initial={{ scale: 0.9, opacity: 0 }}
+            animate={{ scale: 1, opacity: 1, transition: { duration: 0.25, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] } }}
+            exit={{ scale: 0.9, opacity: 0, transition: { duration: 0.15, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] } }}
             onClick={() => setIsOpen(true)}
             onKeyDown={(e) => {
               if (e.key === "Enter" || e.key === " ") {
                 setIsOpen(true);
               }
             }}
-            className="fixed bottom-4 left-4 md:bottom-6 md:left-6 z-30 bg-white/80 backdrop-blur-xl text-stone-900 p-3.5 rounded-full shadow-[0_10px_26px_rgba(41,37,36,0.16)] hover:bg-white hover:scale-105 transition-all duration-300 group cursor-pointer border border-white/60 ring-1 ring-white/30"
+            className="fixed bottom-4 left-4 md:bottom-6 md:left-6 z-30 bg-white/80 backdrop-blur-xl text-stone-900 p-3.5 rounded-full shadow-[0_10px_26px_rgba(41,37,36,0.16)] hover:bg-white active:scale-[0.97] transition-[background-color,transform] duration-150 ease-out group cursor-pointer border border-white/60 ring-1 ring-white/30"
             aria-label="Open chat"
           >
             <MessageCircle size={24} />
             <span className="absolute top-0 right-0 w-3 h-3 bg-green-500 rounded-full animate-pulse shadow-sm border-2 border-white" />
 
             {/* Tooltip */}
-            <span className="absolute bottom-full left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 mb-3 px-3 py-1.5 bg-stone-900/90 text-stone-50 text-xs font-medium rounded-lg opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity whitespace-nowrap pointer-events-none z-[100] shadow-xl backdrop-blur-sm">
+            <span className="absolute bottom-full left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 mb-3 px-3 py-1.5 bg-stone-900/90 text-stone-50 text-xs font-medium rounded-lg opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-150 ease-out group-hover:delay-300 whitespace-nowrap pointer-events-none z-[100] shadow-xl backdrop-blur-sm">
               Chat with AI
             </span>
           </motion.div>
@@ -318,8 +318,8 @@ export default function ChatWidget() {
             initial={{ opacity: 0, y: 20, scale: 0.95, filter: "blur(10px)" }}
             animate={{ opacity: 1, y: 0, scale: 1, filter: "blur(0px)" }}
             exit={{ opacity: 0, y: 20, scale: 0.95, filter: "blur(10px)" }}
-            transition={{ type: "spring", damping: 30, stiffness: 400 }}
-            className="fixed bottom-20 left-4 right-4 md:bottom-24 md:left-6 md:right-auto z-30 md:w-[380px] h-[60vh] md:h-[550px] max-h-[600px] bg-white/80 backdrop-blur-xl saturate-100 rounded-2xl shadow-[0_12px_40px_rgba(41,37,36,0.16)] flex flex-col overflow-hidden border border-white/60 ring-1 ring-white/30"
+            transition={{ type: "spring", duration: 0.35, bounce: 0 }}
+            className="origin-bottom-left fixed bottom-20 left-4 right-4 md:bottom-24 md:left-6 md:right-auto z-30 md:w-[380px] h-[60vh] md:h-[550px] max-h-[600px] bg-white/80 backdrop-blur-xl saturate-100 rounded-2xl shadow-[0_12px_40px_rgba(41,37,36,0.16)] flex flex-col overflow-hidden border border-white/60 ring-1 ring-white/30"
           >
             {/* Header */}
             <div className="bg-white/70 text-stone-900 p-4 flex items-center justify-between border-b border-white/50">
@@ -450,12 +450,12 @@ export default function ChatWidget() {
                   onKeyPress={handleKeyPress}
                   placeholder="Ask anything..."
                   disabled={isLoading}
-                  className="flex-1 px-4 py-3 text-sm bg-[#f5f5f4] text-[#292524] rounded-xl border border-[#e7e5e4] focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-[#e7e5e4] focus:border-[#a8a29e] focus:bg-stone-50 disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed placeholder:text-[#78716c] transition-all shadow-inner"
+                  className="flex-1 px-4 py-3 text-sm bg-[#f5f5f4] text-[#292524] rounded-xl border border-[#e7e5e4] focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-[#e7e5e4] focus:border-[#a8a29e] focus:bg-stone-50 disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed placeholder:text-[#78716c] transition-[border-color,box-shadow,background-color] duration-150 ease-out shadow-inner"
                 />
                 <button
                   onClick={handleSend}
                   disabled={!inputValue.trim() || isLoading}
-                  className="p-3 bg-[#292524] text-[#fdfcf8] rounded-xl hover:bg-[#44403c] hover:shadow-lg hover:scale-105 transition-all duration-200 disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed disabled:hover:scale-100 shadow-md flex items-center justify-center aspect-square"
+                  className="p-3 bg-[#292524] text-[#fdfcf8] rounded-xl hover:bg-[#44403c] hover:shadow-lg active:scale-[0.97] transition-[background-color,box-shadow,transform] duration-150 ease-out disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-not-allowed disabled:active:scale-100 shadow-md flex items-center justify-center aspect-square"
                   aria-label="Send message"
                 >
                   {isLoading ? (
@@ -480,7 +480,7 @@ export default function ChatWidget() {
                       inputRef.current?.focus();
                     }}
                     disabled={isLoading}
-                    className="px-3 py-1.5 text-xs font-medium bg-[#f5f5f4] text-[#57534e] rounded-lg hover:bg-[#e7e5e4] hover:text-[#292524] border border-[#e7e5e4] transition-all whitespace-nowrap disabled:opacity-50 flex-shrink-0 shadow-sm"
+                    className="px-3 py-1.5 text-xs font-medium bg-[#f5f5f4] text-[#57534e] rounded-lg hover:bg-[#e7e5e4] hover:text-[#292524] border border-[#e7e5e4] transition-[background-color,color,transform] duration-150 ease-out active:scale-[0.97] whitespace-nowrap disabled:opacity-50 flex-shrink-0 shadow-sm"
                   >
                     {suggestion}
                   </button>
diff --git a/app/components/ClientProviders.tsx b/app/components/ClientProviders.tsx
index 7aaa57a..bf90804 100644
--- a/app/components/ClientProviders.tsx
+++ b/app/components/ClientProviders.tsx
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 import React, { useEffect, useState } from "react";
 import { usePathname } from "next/navigation";
 import dynamic from "next/dynamic";
+import { MotionConfig } from "framer-motion";
 import { ToastProvider } from "@/components/Toast";
 import ErrorBoundary from "@/components/ErrorBoundary";
 import { ConsentProvider } from "./ConsentProvider";
@@ -30,9 +31,12 @@ export default function ClientProviders({
       <ErrorBoundary>
         <ConsentProvider>
           <ThemeProvider>
-            <GatedProviders mounted={mounted}>
-              {children}
-            </GatedProviders>
+            {/* Respect prefers-reduced-motion in every Framer Motion animation */}
+            <MotionConfig reducedMotion="user">
+              <GatedProviders mounted={mounted}>
+                {children}
+              </GatedProviders>
+            </MotionConfig>
           </ThemeProvider>
         </ConsentProvider>
       </ErrorBoundary>
diff --git a/app/components/Contact.tsx b/app/components/Contact.tsx
index 525184c..2636d59 100644
--- a/app/components/Contact.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Contact.tsx
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ const Contact = () => {
                        <span className="text-[9px] font-black uppercase tracking-[0.2em] text-stone-600 dark:text-stone-400 mb-1">Email</span>
                        <span className="text-lg sm:text-xl md:text-2xl font-black text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 tracking-tighter uppercase group-hover/link:text-liquid-mint transition-colors">contact@dk0.dev</span>
                      </div>
-                     <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover/link:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover/link:bg-stone-50 group-hover/link:text-white dark:group-hover/link:text-stone-900 transition-all">
+                     <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover/link:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover/link:bg-stone-50 group-hover/link:text-white dark:group-hover/link:text-stone-900 transition-colors duration-200">
                        <Mail size={16} />
                      </div>
                    </a>
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ const Contact = () => {
                        <span className="text-[9px] font-black uppercase tracking-[0.2em] text-stone-600 dark:text-stone-400 mb-1">Code</span>
                        <span className="text-lg sm:text-xl md:text-2xl font-black text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 tracking-tighter uppercase group-hover/link:text-liquid-mint transition-colors">GitHub</span>
                      </div>
-                     <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover/link:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover/link:bg-stone-50 group-hover/link:text-white dark:group-hover/link:text-stone-900 transition-all">
+                     <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover/link:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover/link:bg-stone-50 group-hover/link:text-white dark:group-hover/link:text-stone-900 transition-colors duration-200">
                        <Github size={16} />
                      </div>
                    </a>
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ const Contact = () => {
                        <span className="text-[9px] font-black uppercase tracking-[0.2em] text-stone-600 dark:text-stone-400 mb-1">Professional</span>
                        <span className="text-lg sm:text-xl md:text-2xl font-black text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 tracking-tighter uppercase group-hover/link:text-[#0077b5] transition-colors">LinkedIn</span>
                      </div>
-                     <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover/link:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover/link:bg-stone-50 group-hover/link:text-white dark:group-hover/link:text-stone-900 transition-all">
+                     <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-full border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover/link:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover/link:bg-stone-50 group-hover/link:text-white dark:group-hover/link:text-stone-900 transition-colors duration-200">
                        <Linkedin size={16} />
                      </div>
                    </a>
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ const Contact = () => {
                     onChange={handleChange}
                     onBlur={handleBlur}
                     required
-                    className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-all font-medium"
+                    className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-[border-color,box-shadow,background-color] duration-150 ease-out font-medium"
                     placeholder={tForm("placeholders.name")}
                   />
                 </div>
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ const Contact = () => {
                     onChange={handleChange}
                     onBlur={handleBlur}
                     required
-                    className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-all font-medium"
+                    className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-[border-color,box-shadow,background-color] duration-150 ease-out font-medium"
                     placeholder={tForm("placeholders.email")}
                   />
                 </div>
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ const Contact = () => {
                   onChange={handleChange}
                   onBlur={handleBlur}
                   required
-                  className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-all font-medium"
+                  className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-[border-color,box-shadow,background-color] duration-150 ease-out font-medium"
                   placeholder={tForm("placeholders.subject")}
                 />
               </div>
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ const Contact = () => {
                   onBlur={handleBlur}
                   required
                   rows={5}
-                  className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-all font-medium resize-none"
+                  className="w-full px-4 sm:px-6 py-3 sm:py-4 bg-stone-50 dark:bg-stone-800 border border-stone-100 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl text-sm sm:text-base text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-50 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-liquid-mint/50 transition-[border-color,box-shadow,background-color] duration-150 ease-out font-medium resize-none"
                   placeholder={tForm("placeholders.message")}
                 />
               </div>
@@ -326,9 +326,9 @@ const Contact = () => {
               <motion.button
                 type="submit"
                 disabled={isSubmitting}
-                whileHover={{ scale: 1.01 }}
-                whileTap={{ scale: 0.99 }}
-                className="w-full py-4 sm:py-5 bg-stone-900 dark:bg-stone-50 text-white dark:text-stone-900 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl font-black text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.2em] sm:tracking-[0.3em] flex items-center justify-center gap-3 shadow-xl hover:shadow-2xl transition-all disabled:opacity-50"
+                whileTap={{ scale: 0.97 }}
+                transition={{ duration: 0.15, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] }}
+                className="w-full py-4 sm:py-5 bg-stone-900 dark:bg-stone-50 text-white dark:text-stone-900 rounded-xl sm:rounded-2xl font-black text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.2em] sm:tracking-[0.3em] flex items-center justify-center gap-3 shadow-xl hover:shadow-2xl transition-shadow duration-200 ease-out disabled:opacity-50"
               >
                 {isSubmitting ? (
                   <div className="w-5 h-5 border-2 border-white/30 border-t-white rounded-full animate-spin" />
diff --git a/app/components/CurrentlyReading.tsx b/app/components/CurrentlyReading.tsx
index 7f78560..0b6c383 100644
--- a/app/components/CurrentlyReading.tsx
+++ b/app/components/CurrentlyReading.tsx
@@ -98,12 +98,8 @@ const CurrentlyReading = () => {
           initial={{ opacity: 0, y: 20 }}
           whileInView={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
           viewport={{ once: true, margin: "-50px" }}
-          transition={{ duration: 0.6, delay: index * 0.1, ease: [0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1] }}
-          whileHover={{
-            scale: 1.02,
-            transition: { duration: 0.4, ease: "easeOut" },
-          }}
-          className="relative overflow-hidden bg-gradient-to-br from-liquid-lavender/15 via-liquid-pink/10 to-liquid-rose/15 dark:from-stone-800 dark:via-stone-800 dark:to-stone-700 border-2 border-liquid-lavender/30 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl p-6 backdrop-blur-sm hover:border-liquid-lavender/50 dark:hover:border-stone-600 hover:from-liquid-lavender/20 hover:via-liquid-pink/15 hover:to-liquid-rose/20 transition-all duration-500 ease-out"
+          transition={{ duration: 0.5, delay: index * 0.06, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] }}
+          className="relative overflow-hidden bg-gradient-to-br from-liquid-lavender/15 via-liquid-pink/10 to-liquid-rose/15 dark:from-stone-800 dark:via-stone-800 dark:to-stone-700 border-2 border-liquid-lavender/30 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl p-6 backdrop-blur-sm hover:border-liquid-lavender/50 dark:hover:border-stone-600 hover:from-liquid-lavender/20 hover:via-liquid-pink/15 hover:to-liquid-rose/20 transition-colors duration-300"
         >
           {/* Background Blob Animation */}
           <motion.div
@@ -124,9 +120,9 @@ const CurrentlyReading = () => {
             {/* Book Cover */}
             {book.image && (
               <motion.div
-                initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.9 }}
+                initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.95 }}
                 animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1 }}
-                transition={{ duration: 0.5, delay: 0.2 + index * 0.1 }}
+                transition={{ duration: 0.4, delay: 0.1 + index * 0.06, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] }}
                 className="flex-shrink-0"
               >
                 <div className="relative w-24 h-36 sm:w-28 sm:h-40 rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow-lg border-2 border-white/50 dark:border-stone-600">
@@ -162,11 +158,12 @@ const CurrentlyReading = () => {
                   <span className="font-semibold">{isNaN(book.progress) ? 0 : book.progress}%</span>
                 </div>
                 <div className="relative h-2 bg-white/50 dark:bg-stone-700 rounded-full overflow-hidden border border-white/70 dark:border-stone-600">
+                  {/* scaleX instead of width: stays on the compositor, no layout per frame */}
                   <motion.div
-                    initial={{ width: 0 }}
-                    animate={{ width: `${isNaN(book.progress) ? 0 : book.progress}%` }}
-                    transition={{ duration: 1, delay: 0.3 + index * 0.1, ease: "easeOut" }}
-                    className="absolute left-0 top-0 h-full bg-gradient-to-r from-liquid-lavender via-liquid-pink to-liquid-rose rounded-full shadow-sm"
+                    initial={{ scaleX: 0 }}
+                    animate={{ scaleX: (isNaN(book.progress) ? 0 : book.progress) / 100 }}
+                    transition={{ duration: 0.8, delay: 0.2 + index * 0.06, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] }}
+                    className="origin-left w-full absolute left-0 top-0 h-full bg-gradient-to-r from-liquid-lavender via-liquid-pink to-liquid-rose rounded-full shadow-sm"
                   />
                 </div>
               </div>
diff --git a/app/components/Footer.tsx b/app/components/Footer.tsx
index 164e3bc..fbe66cc 100644
--- a/app/components/Footer.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Footer.tsx
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ const Footer = () => {
               className="group flex flex-col items-center gap-4 text-stone-600 dark:text-stone-400 hover:text-stone-900 dark:hover:text-white transition-colors"
             >
               <span className="text-[10px] font-black uppercase tracking-[0.3em] text-stone-600 dark:text-stone-400" style={{ writingMode: 'vertical-rl', transform: 'rotate(180deg)' }}>{t("backToTop")}</span>
-              <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-full border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover:bg-stone-50 group-hover:text-white dark:group-hover:text-stone-900 transition-all shadow-sm">
+              <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-full border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-800 flex items-center justify-center group-hover:bg-stone-900 dark:group-hover:bg-stone-50 group-hover:text-white dark:group-hover:text-stone-900 group-active:scale-[0.97] transition-[background-color,color,transform] duration-200 ease-out shadow-sm">
                 <ArrowUp size={20} />
               </div>
             </button>
diff --git a/app/components/Header.tsx b/app/components/Header.tsx
index 20df2c4..2186c89 100644
--- a/app/components/Header.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Header.tsx
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ const Header = () => {
           {/* Logo Pill */}
           <Link
             href={`/${locale}`}
-            className="w-10 h-10 flex items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-stone-900 dark:bg-stone-50 text-white dark:text-stone-900 transition-transform hover:scale-105 active:scale-95 shadow-lg"
+            className="w-10 h-10 flex items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-stone-900 dark:bg-stone-50 text-white dark:text-stone-900 transition-transform duration-150 ease-out active:scale-[0.97] shadow-lg"
           >
             <span className="font-black text-xs tracking-tighter">dk0</span>
           </Link>
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ const Header = () => {
               <Link
                 key={item.name}
                 href={item.href}
-                className="px-5 py-2 text-[10px] font-black uppercase tracking-[0.2em] text-stone-500 hover:text-stone-900 dark:hover:text-stone-100 rounded-full transition-all"
+                className="px-5 py-2 text-[10px] font-black uppercase tracking-[0.2em] text-stone-500 hover:text-stone-900 dark:hover:text-stone-100 rounded-full transition-colors"
               >
                 {item.name}
               </Link>
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ const Header = () => {
             {/* Mobile Menu Toggle */}
             <button
               onClick={() => setIsOpen(!isOpen)}
-              className="w-8 h-8 flex md:hidden items-center justify-center text-stone-600 dark:text-stone-400 hover:bg-white dark:hover:bg-stone-800 rounded-full transition-colors shadow-sm"
+              className="w-8 h-8 flex md:hidden items-center justify-center text-stone-600 dark:text-stone-400 hover:bg-white dark:hover:bg-stone-800 rounded-full transition-[background-color,transform] duration-150 ease-out active:scale-[0.97] shadow-sm"
             >
               {isOpen ? <X size={14} /> : <Menu size={14} />}
             </button>
@@ -72,10 +72,10 @@ const Header = () => {
 
       {/* Mobile Menu Overlay */}
       <div
-        className={`fixed top-24 left-6 right-6 z-40 bg-white/90 dark:bg-stone-900/95 backdrop-blur-3xl border border-white/40 dark:border-white/10 rounded-[2.5rem] shadow-2xl p-6 md:hidden overflow-hidden transition-all duration-200 ${
+        className={`fixed top-24 left-6 right-6 z-40 bg-white/90 dark:bg-stone-900/95 backdrop-blur-3xl border border-white/40 dark:border-white/10 rounded-[2.5rem] shadow-2xl p-6 md:hidden overflow-hidden origin-top transition-[opacity,transform] duration-200 ease-out ${
           isOpen
-            ? "opacity-100 translate-y-0 pointer-events-auto"
-            : "opacity-0 -translate-y-2 pointer-events-none"
+            ? "opacity-100 translate-y-0 scale-100 pointer-events-auto"
+            : "opacity-0 -translate-y-2 scale-[0.97] pointer-events-none"
         }`}
       >
         <div className="flex flex-col gap-3">
diff --git a/app/components/HeaderClient.tsx b/app/components/HeaderClient.tsx
index a70d5b2..fbd5b46 100644
--- a/app/components/HeaderClient.tsx
+++ b/app/components/HeaderClient.tsx
@@ -50,10 +50,19 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
       setScrolled(window.scrollY > 50);
     };
 
-    window.addEventListener("scroll", handleScroll);
+    window.addEventListener("scroll", handleScroll, { passive: true });
     return () => window.removeEventListener("scroll", handleScroll);
   }, []);
 
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!isOpen) return;
+    const onKeyDown = (e: KeyboardEvent) => {
+      if (e.key === "Escape") setIsOpen(false);
+    };
+    window.addEventListener("keydown", onKeyDown);
+    return () => window.removeEventListener("keydown", onKeyDown);
+  }, [isOpen]);
+
   const navItems = [
     { name: translations.home, href: `/${locale}` },
     { name: translations.about, href: isHome ? "#about" : `/${locale}#about` },
@@ -81,18 +90,18 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
     <>
       <header className="fixed top-6 left-0 right-0 z-50 flex justify-center px-4 pointer-events-none">
         <div
-          className={`pointer-events-auto transition-all duration-500 ease-out ${
+          className={`pointer-events-auto transition-[max-width] duration-500 ease-in-out ${
             scrolled ? "w-full max-w-5xl" : "w-full max-w-7xl"
           }`}
         >
           <div
-            className={`backdrop-blur-xl transition-all duration-500 flex justify-between items-center ${
+            className={`backdrop-blur-xl transition-[padding,background-color,box-shadow,border-color] duration-500 ease-in-out flex justify-between items-center ${
               scrolled
                 ? "bg-white/95 border border-stone-200/50 shadow-[0_8px_30px_rgba(0,0,0,0.12)] rounded-full px-6 py-3"
                 : "bg-white/85 border border-stone-200/30 shadow-[0_4px_24px_rgba(0,0,0,0.08)] px-4 py-4 rounded-full"
             }`}
           >
-            <div className="flex items-center space-x-2 hover:scale-105 transition-transform">
+            <div className="flex items-center space-x-2 active:scale-[0.97] transition-transform duration-150 ease-out">
               <Link
                 href={`/${locale}`}
                 className="text-2xl font-black font-sans text-stone-900 tracking-tighter liquid-hover flex items-center"
@@ -103,7 +112,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
 
             <nav className="hidden md:flex items-center space-x-8">
               {navItems.map((item) => (
-                <div key={item.name} className="hover:-translate-y-0.5 active:scale-95 transition-all">
+                <div key={item.name} className="active:scale-[0.97] transition-transform duration-150 ease-out">
                   <Link
                     href={item.href}
                     className="text-stone-700 hover:text-stone-900 font-medium transition-colors relative liquid-hover"
@@ -117,7 +126,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
               <div className="flex items-center space-x-2 ml-4 pl-4 border-l border-stone-300">
                 <Link
                   href={enHref}
-                  className={`px-2 py-1 text-sm font-medium rounded transition-all ${
+                  className={`px-2 py-1 text-sm font-medium rounded transition-colors ${
                     locale === "en"
                       ? "bg-stone-900 text-white"
                       : "text-stone-600 hover:text-stone-900 hover:bg-stone-100"
@@ -127,7 +136,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
                 </Link>
                 <Link
                   href={deHref}
-                  className={`px-2 py-1 text-sm font-medium rounded transition-all ${
+                  className={`px-2 py-1 text-sm font-medium rounded transition-colors ${
                     locale === "de"
                       ? "bg-stone-900 text-white"
                       : "text-stone-600 hover:text-stone-900 hover:bg-stone-100"
@@ -141,7 +150,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
 
             <button
               onClick={() => setIsOpen(!isOpen)}
-              className="md:hidden p-2 rounded-lg bg-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-200 text-stone-700 transition-all hover:scale-105 active:scale-95"
+              className="md:hidden p-2 rounded-lg bg-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-200 text-stone-700 transition-[background-color,transform] duration-150 ease-out active:scale-[0.97]"
               aria-label="Toggle menu"
             >
               {isOpen ? <XIcon size={24} /> : <MenuIcon size={24} />}
@@ -150,19 +159,24 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
         </div>
       </header>
 
-      {/* Mobile menu overlay */}
-      {isOpen && (
-        <div
-          className="fixed inset-0 bg-stone-900/50 backdrop-blur-sm z-40 md:hidden"
-          onClick={() => setIsOpen(false)}
-        />
-      )}
+      {/* Mobile menu overlay — always mounted so it can fade out, not just vanish */}
+      <div
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        className={`fixed inset-0 bg-stone-900/50 backdrop-blur-sm z-40 md:hidden transition-opacity ${
+          isOpen ? "opacity-100 duration-300 ease-out" : "opacity-0 pointer-events-none duration-200 ease-out"
+        }`}
+        onClick={() => setIsOpen(false)}
+      />
 
-      {/* Mobile menu panel */}
-      {isOpen && (
-        <div
-          className="fixed right-0 top-0 h-full w-80 bg-white shadow-2xl z-50 md:hidden overflow-y-auto"
-        >
+      {/* Mobile menu panel — drawer curve in, quicker exit */}
+      <div
+        inert={!isOpen}
+        className={`fixed right-0 top-0 h-full w-80 max-w-[85vw] bg-white shadow-2xl z-50 md:hidden overflow-y-auto overscroll-contain transition-[transform,visibility] ${
+          isOpen
+            ? "translate-x-0 visible duration-500 ease-drawer"
+            : "translate-x-full invisible duration-200 ease-out"
+        }`}
+      >
         <div className="p-6">
           <div className="flex justify-between items-center mb-8">
             <Link
@@ -174,7 +188,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
             </Link>
             <button
               onClick={() => setIsOpen(false)}
-              className="p-2 rounded-lg bg-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-200 text-stone-700"
+              className="p-2 rounded-lg bg-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-200 text-stone-700 transition-[background-color,transform] duration-150 ease-out active:scale-[0.97]"
               aria-label="Close menu"
             >
               <XIcon size={24} />
@@ -187,7 +201,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
                 key={item.name}
                 href={item.href}
                 onClick={() => setIsOpen(false)}
-                className="block px-4 py-3 text-stone-700 hover:bg-stone-50 rounded-lg font-medium transition-colors"
+                className="block px-4 py-3 text-stone-700 hover:bg-stone-50 active:bg-stone-100 rounded-lg font-medium transition-colors"
               >
                 {item.name}
               </Link>
@@ -199,7 +213,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
             <Link
               href={enHref}
               onClick={() => setIsOpen(false)}
-              className={`flex-1 px-4 py-2 text-center font-medium rounded-lg transition-all ${
+              className={`flex-1 px-4 py-2 text-center font-medium rounded-lg transition-colors ${
                 locale === "en"
                   ? "bg-stone-900 text-white"
                   : "bg-stone-100 text-stone-600 hover:bg-stone-200"
@@ -210,7 +224,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
             <Link
               href={deHref}
               onClick={() => setIsOpen(false)}
-              className={`flex-1 px-4 py-2 text-center font-medium rounded-lg transition-all ${
+              className={`flex-1 px-4 py-2 text-center font-medium rounded-lg transition-colors ${
                 locale === "de"
                   ? "bg-stone-900 text-white"
                   : "bg-stone-100 text-stone-600 hover:bg-stone-200"
@@ -231,7 +245,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
                     href={link.href}
                     target="_blank"
                     rel="noopener noreferrer"
-                    className="p-3 rounded-lg bg-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-900 hover:text-white text-stone-700 transition-all"
+                    className="p-3 rounded-lg bg-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-900 hover:text-white text-stone-700 transition-[background-color,color,transform] duration-150 ease-out active:scale-[0.97]"
                     aria-label={link.label}
                   >
                     <Icon size={20} />
@@ -241,8 +255,7 @@ export default function HeaderClient({ locale, translations }: HeaderClientProps
             </div>
           </div>
         </div>
-        </div>
-      )}
+      </div>
     </>
   );
 }
diff --git a/app/components/Hero.tsx b/app/components/Hero.tsx
index eca82e3..c741791 100644
--- a/app/components/Hero.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Hero.tsx
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ export default async function Hero({ locale }: HeroProps) {
 
           {/* Left: Text Content */}
           <div className="flex-1 text-center xl:text-left space-y-6 sm:space-y-8 md:space-y-10">
-            <div className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 sm:gap-3 px-4 sm:px-5 py-2 sm:py-2.5 rounded-full bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-800 shadow-sm animate-[fadeIn_0.5s_ease-out]">
+            <div className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 sm:gap-3 px-4 sm:px-5 py-2 sm:py-2.5 rounded-full bg-white dark:bg-stone-900 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-800 shadow-sm animate-fade-in">
               <span className="w-2 h-2 sm:w-2.5 sm:h-2.5 bg-emerald-500 rounded-full animate-pulse" />
               <span className="font-mono text-[10px] sm:text-[11px] font-black uppercase tracking-[0.2em] sm:tracking-[0.3em] text-stone-500">{t("badge")}</span>
             </div>
@@ -39,9 +39,9 @@ export default async function Hero({ locale }: HeroProps) {
               {t("description")}
             </p>
 
-            <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-center gap-4 sm:gap-8 justify-center xl:justify-start pt-2 sm:pt-4 animate-[fadeIn_0.6s_ease-out_0.3s_both]">
-              <a href="#projects" className="group relative px-8 sm:px-12 py-4 sm:py-5 bg-stone-900 dark:bg-stone-50 text-white dark:text-stone-900 rounded-2xl sm:rounded-3xl font-black text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.2em] hover:scale-105 active:scale-95 transition-all shadow-2xl">
-                <div className="absolute inset-0 bg-white/10 -translate-x-full group-hover:translate-x-full transition-transform duration-1000" />
+            <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-center gap-4 sm:gap-8 justify-center xl:justify-start pt-2 sm:pt-4 animate-fade-in [animation-delay:150ms]">
+              <a href="#projects" className="group relative overflow-hidden px-8 sm:px-12 py-4 sm:py-5 bg-stone-900 dark:bg-stone-50 text-white dark:text-stone-900 rounded-2xl sm:rounded-3xl font-black text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.2em] active:scale-[0.97] transition-transform duration-150 ease-out shadow-2xl">
+                <div className="absolute inset-0 bg-white/10 -translate-x-full group-hover:translate-x-full transition-transform duration-700 ease-in-out" />
                 {t("ctaWork")}
               </a>
               <a href="#contact" className="font-black text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.2em] text-stone-700 dark:text-stone-300 hover:text-stone-900 dark:hover:text-white transition-colors">
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ export default async function Hero({ locale }: HeroProps) {
           </div>
 
           {/* Right: The Photo */}
-<div className="relative w-52 h-52 sm:w-64 sm:h-64 md:w-80 md:h-80 xl:w-[500px] xl:h-[500px] shrink-0 mt-4 sm:mt-8 xl:mt-0 animate-[fadeIn_1s_ease-out]">
+<div className="relative w-52 h-52 sm:w-64 sm:h-64 md:w-80 md:h-80 xl:w-[500px] xl:h-[500px] shrink-0 mt-4 sm:mt-8 xl:mt-0 animate-fade-in [animation-delay:100ms] [animation-duration:900ms]">
               <div className="absolute inset-0 bg-gradient-to-tr from-liquid-mint to-liquid-purple rounded-[3rem] sm:rounded-[4rem] lg:rounded-[5rem] rotate-12 scale-90 opacity-20 blur-3xl" />
               <div className="relative w-full h-full rounded-[2.5rem] sm:rounded-[3rem] lg:rounded-[4rem] overflow-hidden border-[12px] sm:border-[16px] lg:border-[24px] border-white dark:border-stone-900 shadow-[0_30px_60px_-15px_rgba(0,0,0,0.3)] sm:shadow-[0_50px_100px_-20px_rgba(0,0,0,0.4)]" style={{ willChange: "transform" }}>
                 <Image src="/images/me.jpg" alt="Dennis Konkol" fill className="object-cover" priority fetchPriority="high" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 208px, (max-width: 768px) 256px, (max-width: 1280px) 320px, 500px" />
@@ -65,8 +65,8 @@ export default async function Hero({ locale }: HeroProps) {
         </div>
       </div>
 
-      <div className="absolute bottom-10 left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 hidden md:flex flex-col items-center gap-4 animate-bounce">
-        <div className="w-px h-16 bg-gradient-to-b from-stone-300 dark:from-stone-700 to-transparent" />
+      <div className="absolute bottom-10 left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 hidden md:flex flex-col items-center gap-4" aria-hidden="true">
+        <div className="w-px h-16 origin-top animate-scroll-hint bg-gradient-to-b from-stone-300 dark:from-stone-700 to-transparent" />
       </div>
     </section>
   );
diff --git a/app/components/Projects.tsx b/app/components/Projects.tsx
index cd088e0..ddb2f65 100644
--- a/app/components/Projects.tsx
+++ b/app/components/Projects.tsx
@@ -59,8 +59,8 @@ const Projects = () => {
               {t("subtitle")}
             </p>
           </div>
-<Link href={`/${locale}/projects`} className="group flex items-center gap-2 text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-100 font-black border-b-2 border-stone-900 dark:border-stone-100 pb-1 hover:opacity-70 transition-all text-xs uppercase tracking-widest">
-              {t("viewAll")} <ArrowUpRight className="group-hover:-translate-y-1 group-hover:translate-x-1 transition-transform" size={14} />
+<Link href={`/${locale}/projects`} className="group flex items-center gap-2 text-stone-900 dark:text-stone-100 font-black border-b-2 border-stone-900 dark:border-stone-100 pb-1 hover:opacity-70 transition-opacity text-xs uppercase tracking-widest">
+              {t("viewAll")} <ArrowUpRight className="group-hover:-translate-y-0.5 group-hover:translate-x-0.5 transition-transform duration-200 ease-out" size={14} />
             </Link>
         </div>
 
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ const Projects = () => {
                       src={project.imageUrl}
                       alt={project.title}
                       fill
-                      className="object-cover transition-transform duration-700 group-hover:scale-105"
+                      className="object-cover transition-transform duration-500 ease-out group-hover:scale-[1.03]"
                     />
                   ) : (
                     <ProjectThumbnail
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ const Projects = () => {
                     />
                   )}
                   {/* Overlay on Hover */}
-                  <div className="absolute inset-0 bg-black/0 group-hover:bg-black/10 transition-colors duration-500" />
+                  <div className="absolute inset-0 bg-black/0 group-hover:bg-black/10 transition-colors duration-300" />
                 </div>
 
                 {/* Text Content */}
diff --git a/app/components/ReadBooks.tsx b/app/components/ReadBooks.tsx
index 3fcd348..bde4dd7 100644
--- a/app/components/ReadBooks.tsx
+++ b/app/components/ReadBooks.tsx
@@ -136,15 +136,11 @@ const ReadBooks = () => {
           whileInView={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
           viewport={{ once: true, margin: "-50px" }}
           transition={{
-            duration: 0.6,
-            delay: index * 0.1,
-            ease: [0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1],
+            duration: 0.5,
+            delay: index * 0.06,
+            ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1],
           }}
-          whileHover={{
-            scale: 1.02,
-            transition: { duration: 0.4, ease: "easeOut" },
-          }}
-          className="relative overflow-hidden bg-gradient-to-br from-liquid-mint/15 via-liquid-sky/10 to-liquid-teal/15 dark:from-stone-800 dark:via-stone-800 dark:to-stone-700 border-2 border-liquid-mint/30 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl p-5 backdrop-blur-sm hover:border-liquid-mint/50 dark:hover:border-stone-600 hover:from-liquid-mint/20 hover:via-liquid-sky/15 hover:to-liquid-teal/20 transition-all duration-500 ease-out"
+          className="relative overflow-hidden bg-gradient-to-br from-liquid-mint/15 via-liquid-sky/10 to-liquid-teal/15 dark:from-stone-800 dark:via-stone-800 dark:to-stone-700 border-2 border-liquid-mint/30 dark:border-stone-700 rounded-xl p-5 backdrop-blur-sm hover:border-liquid-mint/50 dark:hover:border-stone-600 hover:from-liquid-mint/20 hover:via-liquid-sky/15 hover:to-liquid-teal/20 transition-colors duration-300"
         >
           {/* Background Blob */}
           <motion.div
@@ -165,9 +161,9 @@ const ReadBooks = () => {
             {/* Book Cover */}
             {review.book_image && (
               <motion.div
-                initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.9 }}
+                initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.95 }}
                 animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1 }}
-                transition={{ duration: 0.5, delay: 0.2 + index * 0.1 }}
+                transition={{ duration: 0.4, delay: 0.1 + index * 0.06, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] }}
                 className="flex-shrink-0"
               >
                 <div className="relative w-20 h-[7.5rem] sm:w-24 sm:h-32 rounded-lg overflow-hidden shadow-lg border-2 border-white/50 dark:border-stone-600">
diff --git a/app/components/ScrollFadeIn.tsx b/app/components/ScrollFadeIn.tsx
index ae8ae45..292f3b2 100644
--- a/app/components/ScrollFadeIn.tsx
+++ b/app/components/ScrollFadeIn.tsx
@@ -18,9 +18,11 @@ export default function ScrollFadeIn({ children, className = "", delay = 0 }: Sc
   const ref = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
   const [isVisible, setIsVisible] = useState(false);
   const [hasMounted, setHasMounted] = useState(false);
+  const [reduceMotion, setReduceMotion] = useState(false);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     setHasMounted(true);
+    setReduceMotion(window.matchMedia("(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)").matches);
     const el = ref.current;
     if (!el) return;
 
@@ -37,7 +39,8 @@ export default function ScrollFadeIn({ children, className = "", delay = 0 }: Sc
           observer.unobserve(el);
         }
       },
-      { threshold: 0.1 }
+      // Start a little before the section is fully in view so it never feels late
+      { threshold: 0.1, rootMargin: "0px 0px -60px 0px" }
     );
 
     observer.observe(el);
@@ -50,8 +53,8 @@ export default function ScrollFadeIn({ children, className = "", delay = 0 }: Sc
       className={className}
       style={hasMounted ? {
         opacity: isVisible ? 1 : 0,
-        transform: isVisible ? "translateY(0)" : "translateY(30px)",
-        transition: `opacity 0.6s ease ${delay}s, transform 0.6s ease ${delay}s`,
+        transform: isVisible || reduceMotion ? "translateY(0)" : "translateY(16px)",
+        transition: `opacity 0.6s var(--ease-out) ${delay}s, transform 0.6s var(--ease-out) ${delay}s`,
       } : undefined}
     >
       {children}
diff --git a/app/components/ThemeToggle.tsx b/app/components/ThemeToggle.tsx
index 80479b2..2d37ab9 100644
--- a/app/components/ThemeToggle.tsx
+++ b/app/components/ThemeToggle.tsx
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ export function ThemeToggle() {
   return (
     <button
       onClick={cycle}
-      className="p-2 rounded-full bg-stone-100 dark:bg-stone-800 text-stone-800 dark:text-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-200 dark:hover:bg-stone-700 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-700 shadow-sm hover:scale-105 active:scale-95 transition-all"
+      className="p-2 rounded-full bg-stone-100 dark:bg-stone-800 text-stone-800 dark:text-stone-100 hover:bg-stone-200 dark:hover:bg-stone-700 border border-stone-200 dark:border-stone-700 shadow-sm active:scale-[0.97] transition-[background-color,transform] duration-150 ease-out"
       aria-label={`Current theme: ${theme}. Click to switch.`}
       title={theme === "system" ? "System" : theme === "dark" ? "Dark" : "Light"}
     >
diff --git a/app/globals.css b/app/globals.css
index 10c0151..a5c6a09 100644
--- a/app/globals.css
+++ b/app/globals.css
@@ -25,6 +25,11 @@
     --input: #efebe9;
     --ring: #a1887f; /* Warm brown ring */
     --radius: 1rem;
+
+    /* Motion tokens: enter/exit = ease-out, on-screen movement = ease-in-out */
+    --ease-out: cubic-bezier(0.23, 1, 0.32, 1);
+    --ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.77, 0, 0.175, 1);
+    --ease-drawer: cubic-bezier(0.32, 0.72, 0, 1);
 }
 
 .dark {
@@ -74,6 +79,20 @@ html {
     scroll-behavior: smooth;
 }
 
+/* Reduced motion: drop movement, keep colour/opacity feedback */
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+    html {
+        scroll-behavior: auto;
+    }
+    *,
+    *::before,
+    *::after {
+        animation-duration: 0.01ms !important;
+        animation-iteration-count: 1 !important;
+        animation-delay: 0ms !important;
+    }
+}
+
 /* Liquid Glass Effects */
 .glass-panel {
     background: var(--card);
@@ -92,10 +111,13 @@ html {
     box-shadow:
         0 4px 6px -1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06),
         0 2px 4px -1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
-    transition: all 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1);
-    will-change: transform, box-shadow;
+    transition:
+        transform 250ms var(--ease-out),
+        box-shadow 250ms var(--ease-out),
+        border-color 200ms ease;
 }
 
+@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
 .glass-card:hover {
     background: var(--card);
     box-shadow:
@@ -104,6 +126,7 @@ html {
     transform: translateY(-4px);
     border-color: var(--ring);
 }
+}
 
 /* Typography & Headings */
 h1,
@@ -229,7 +252,7 @@ div {
     background: #fffcf5;
     border: 1px solid #d7ccc8;
     color: #3e2723;
-    transition: all 0.2s ease;
+    transition: background-color 0.2s ease, border-color 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease;
     box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(62, 39, 35, 0.05);
 }
 
diff --git a/tailwind.config.ts b/tailwind.config.ts
index ff11870..1564a03 100644
--- a/tailwind.config.ts
+++ b/tailwind.config.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ import type { Config } from "tailwindcss";
 // tailwind.config.js
 export default {
   darkMode: "class", // Enables class-based dark mode
+  // Touch devices fire :hover on tap and keep it stuck; only apply hover styles
+  // where a real pointer exists.
+  future: {
+    hoverOnlyWhenSupported: true,
+  },
   content: [
     "./app/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}",
     "./app/components/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}",
@@ -11,19 +16,33 @@ export default {
   ],
   theme: {
     extend: {
+      // Stronger curves than the CSS defaults. Overriding `out` and `in-out`
+      // upgrades every existing `ease-out` / `ease-in-out` utility at once.
+      transitionTimingFunction: {
+        out: "cubic-bezier(0.23, 1, 0.32, 1)",
+        "in-out": "cubic-bezier(0.77, 0, 0.175, 1)",
+        drawer: "cubic-bezier(0.32, 0.72, 0, 1)",
+      },
       keyframes: {
         fadeIn: {
-          "0%": { opacity: "0", transform: "translateY(10px)" },
+          "0%": { opacity: "0", transform: "translateY(8px)" },
           "100%": { opacity: "1", transform: "translateY(0)" },
         },
         slideDown: {
-          "0%": { opacity: "0", transform: "translateY(-20px)" },
+          "0%": { opacity: "0", transform: "translateY(-12px)" },
           "100%": { opacity: "1", transform: "translateY(0)" },
         },
+        scrollHint: {
+          "0%": { opacity: "0", transform: "scaleY(0.4)" },
+          "40%": { opacity: "1", transform: "scaleY(1)" },
+          "100%": { opacity: "0", transform: "scaleY(1)" },
+        },
       },
       animation: {
-        "fade-in": "fadeIn 0.5s ease-out",
-        "slide-down": "slideDown 0.4s ease-out",
+        "fade-in": "fadeIn 600ms cubic-bezier(0.23, 1, 0.32, 1) both",
+        "slide-down": "slideDown 500ms cubic-bezier(0.23, 1, 0.32, 1) both",
+        "scroll-hint": "scrollHint 2.4s cubic-bezier(0.77, 0, 0.175, 1) infinite",
+        "spin-slow": "spin 4s linear infinite",
       },
       colors: {
         background: "var(--background)",