[ENHANCEMENT] Optional Roo loading animation

[jmalmo]

Problem (one or two sentences)

In the Roo Code Podcast episode 24 from Sep 25, 2025, @hannesrudolph mentioned the wish for a kangaroo loading animation.

Users currently only have a standard spinner for progress indication during API requests and tool usage. Some users may prefer a more playful or brand-aligned animation that better represents the Roo Code identity.

Context (who is affected and when)

All Roo Code users who interact with the chat interface. The ProgressIndicator is used in 5 total locations across 3 different chat-related components:

1	API requests 
2	Command execution
3	MCP server operations
4	Context condensing
5	Browser session actions

Desired behavior (conceptual, not technical)

Users should be able to choose between the standard spinner and a jumping kangaroo animation for progress indicators. This setting should be:

• Easy to toggle in Settings > UI section
• Persistent across sessions
• Apply to all progress indicators consistently
• Default to the standard spinner (no breaking changes)

Constraints / preferences (optional)

• Must not break existing functionality or change default behavior
• Animation should be smooth and not distract from workflow
• Should be lightweight (no external dependencies)
• Must work across all themes (light/dark)
• Should match the existing spinner's size (16px) for UI consistency

Request checklist

• I've searched existing Issues and Discussions for duplicates
• This describes a specific problem with clear context and impact

Roo Code Task Links (optional)

No response

Acceptance criteria (optional)

• Settings > UI contains a "Use Jumping Roo Animation" toggle
• When enabled, all progress indicators show a jumping kangaroo instead of spinner
• When disabled, standard spinner remains (default behavior)
• Setting persists when reopening VSCode
• Animation is smooth, non-disruptive, and matches existing UI size
• No console errors or performance degradation

Proposed approach (optional)

I have already made a working version which can be found in PR:

Trade-offs / risks (optional)

No response

[jmalmo]

Claiming 🚀

[roomote]

I'm exploring a potential fix and will open a PR to share progress. I see you've already started working on this - looking forward to collaborating on the best implementation!

[jmalmo]

@brunobergher @hannesrudolph , here's my proposal with regards to your kangaroo UI discussion in the Roo Code Podcast episode 24 🦘

[roomote]

Opened PR #8749 with my attempt at addressing this issue. The implementation adds an optional jumping kangaroo animation that can replace the standard spinner.

The feature:

• Adds a toggle in Settings > UI panel
• Defaults to the standard spinner (no breaking changes)
• Persists the user's preference across sessions
• Works across all 5 progress indicator locations
• Maintains the 16px size for UI consistency

CI checks are currently running. Feedback welcome!

[richman2736]

Like it a lot!!!