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Microinteractions: Why UX Designers should be using them 🚀
Microinteractions help create enjoyable experiences.
Ideally, a UI is designed so users notice the important things which help them to complete their tasks. While at the same time seamlessly fading the unnecessary noise into the background. Users shouldn’t have to sweat the small stuff. From a UX designer’s perspective to achieve this seamlessness, microinteractions play a massive role.
What are microinteractions and why are they so important?
Microinteractions separate a good product from a memorable product. As you are reading this article it’s safe to assume you are somebody who uses the web. This means you have undoubtedly come across countless microinteractions while interacting with your favourite applications.
Microinteractions can be defined as individual or smaller tasks which make up the greater user experience. The goal of a microinteraction is to create a moment which makes the experience more enjoyable, engaging and worthwhile. A quote from this Nielsen Norman article expands on this thought further:
A familiar example of a microinteraction is pulling to refresh. Like me, I'm sure you have come across this pattern numerous times as you refreshed your newsfeed on your favourite social media application. That downward swipe acts as a trigger, which in turn provides visual feedback related to that action.
Other examples of micro-interactions include:
Reacting to that drop-dead hilarious meme on Facebook. A slick animation that appears after clicking on something. Progress indication while uploading content. A suggested search that updates dynamically as the user types. Error states to inform the user when something goes wrong. Highlighting that super smart quote you just found to copy for later!
