Why is preloading images an important step in animation design?

Preloading images is critical in animation design primarily to prevent freezing or lag during the animation. When images are preloaded, they are loaded into the memory before the animation starts. This ensures that all visual assets are readily available when the animation plays. If the images are not preloaded, the system may struggle to fetch them on-the-fly while the animation is running, leading to delays or pauses. Smooth animations create a more engaging experience for the viewer, free from disruptions that can occur if images are still loading.

Regarding the other options, while saving coding time might be a benefit in some contexts, it doesn't address the primary functional need related to the flow of the animation itself. Making images larger is not advantageous and would likely contribute to longer load times rather than smoothing out animation playback. Lastly, while preloading may facilitate the inclusion of more animations in a project, the core reason for preloading is fundamentally linked to delivering a seamless user experience.