An object recognition table looks effortless when it works. Getting there is mostly about predicting what visitors will do that you did not plan for.

People do not read instructions

They pick the object up, turn it over, put it back in the wrong place, and walk away mid-animation. Every one of those needs a graceful state.

We now budget as much time for recovery states as for the hero content. An installation that resets cleanly after misuse will outperform a prettier one that needs a technician every twenty minutes.