Lightboxes

A lightbox or "highlight" in-app pattern focuses user attention on a specific element or content piece by dimming the rest of the interface. It's commonly used when viewing “full-screen” or expanded media content (e.g., videos), especially within Modals. 

Still, it can also be used in product tours to highlight core navigational items or CTAs. This can help focus a user and remove distractions, but ideally only in scenarios where the user has opted into the focused object. 

• Viewing Media: Providing a focused view and distraction-free viewing experience for videos, GIFs, images, prototypes, interactive demos, etc.

• Announcing New Features or Changes: Drawing attention to specific UI components, especially when the change is not obvious 

• Onboarding Walkthroughs: Guiding new users through the app’s features by highlighting sections sequentially. 

• Requiring Inputs: Encouraging or forcing users to complete a form or enter data by removing the ability to engage with other UI parts.