For we non-designers out there, ajaxload.info offers a very cool service: automated creation of animated loading .gifs in three easy steps. Simply choose your indicator type (35 options!), set the background and foreground color, and generate it. View the preview and then download your .gif, ready to use.

Very simple and useful. Thanks for designing this, Kath

Jeffrey Barke is senior developer and information architect at theMechanism, a maxi-media firm in New York City and London.