1. A computer-readable medium bearing computer-executable instructions which, when executed on a computer system having a graphical user interface, carry out a method for displaying a static animation image in response to an action related to a displayed object that occurs on the computer system, the method comprising each of the following: determining an initial state of the displayed object with regard to the action; determining a final state of the displayed object with regard to the action; determining transition aspects between the initial state and the final state; generating a static animation image according to the initial state, the transition aspects, and the final state, the static animation image representing in static form an animation indicative of the action from the initial state to the final state of the displayed object; and displaying the static animation image on the graphical user interface in lieu of animation.