Microinteractions are the tiny, often unnoticed details in a UI that enhance the user experience—like the heart animation when you like a post or the subtle vibration when you toggle a switch.
Why They Matter
Good microinteractions make interfaces feel responsive and engaging. They provide feedback (e.g., a loading spinner), guide users (e.g., a shake effect on an incorrect password), and add personality to a product (e.g., playful hover effects).
Where You See Them
• Instagram: The pulsing heart when you double-tap a photo.
• Google Search: The expanding search bar when you start typing.
• iOS Face ID: The slight unlock animation when authentication is successful.
The Secret Sauce
The best microinteractions feel natural—they shouldn’t distract but should subtly enhance usability. As AR/VR evolves, microinteractions will play a huge role in making digital spaces feel more lifelike.
Hot Take: A product without microinteractions feels lifeless. What’s your favorite microinteraction in an app?