We are all familiar with micro-interactions in our everyday lives. Whether we're turning on a light switch or setting an alarm on our phones, micro-interactions provide us with feedback that let us know our actions have been completed successfully.
In web design, micro-interactions serve a similar purpose. By offering feedback and visual cues, they help guide users through a website or app, and provide an overall better user experience.
Micro-interactions are small, single-purpose animations or interactions that serve to provide feedback or visual cues to the user.
They are often found in apps and websites, and can be as simple as a button changing color when hovered over, to something more complex like a loading bar.
Examples of micro-interactions:
These are just a few examples, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to micro-interactions. limited only by your imagination!
A stunning example of micro-interactions and motion.
You'll notice a slight micro-interaction when hovering across the card-like images - they jolt out to the right, signaling to the user that this specific element is in focus.
An engaging homepage that speaks to the craftmanship and process of the product.
The motion combined with the micro-interactions on hover - draws the users attention to click.
The left sidebar shoots out with deeper detail for the user to continue their journey.
A creative design that includes a visual cue for the user to track down the page. As the mouse moves it interacts with the blue and yellow circles - creating a slight motion.
The colour scheme and the slow and deliberate movement combined with the micro-interaction give off a sense of calm.
Micro-interactions are a great way to add an extra layer of polish and attention to detail to your website. When used correctly, they can help guide users through your site, and provide feedback that enhances the user experience. Just be sure to keep in mind their purpose, and design them in a way that is consistent with the overall aesthetic of your site.
Michael leads the Butter team and has had a career within industry leadership roles partnering with clients to drive digital transformation, performance marketing, and building business intelligence practices through marketing analytics. Michael focuses on providing digital & ecommerce consultancy for clients, aiming to improve business and commercial operations. Michael has an MBA from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and NYU Stern Business School.
