So this blog is for both designers and developers. The majority of us started our journey of development with a demo project or something. If you're not that much into designing then it was a tricky challenge for you to design the interface of your first-ever project, right?
Well, Micro-interactions are a part of UI/UX, these concepts are completely optional and these are so common that you use them every day but didn't realize it until you came to know their existence.
Let's get started with the introductions:
Every user experience on your websites and applications is made up of micro-interactions, which are minute, subtle components. Users can better understand what's going on the screen and move seamlessly between screens, thanks to these quick, high-impact interactions. It's the little things that have a big impact.
You may improve the usability and intuitiveness of your products by introducing micro-interactions. Additionally, you can promote brand loyalty, increase user satisfaction levels, and increase conversion rates.
It's not that difficult to gain users, the challenge is to hold them. Remember, the total number of users and the total number of Active Users are two different things.
What are micro-interactions?
In simple terms, Micro-interactions are quick, concise user interface activities that have a single, clear goal. They are employed to deliver feedback, help the user in understanding the state of the system, and foster joy and engagement. Examples include the "like" button on a post, the "pull to refresh" action in social media apps, and the sound that appears when a button is pushed.
The impact created by micro-interactions:
Any website or mobile app's success depends heavily on the user experience (UX). To make sure it is simple and pleasurable to use, every part of the design, from the interface's structure to how people interact with it, must be carefully taken into account. Micro-interactions are one of the essential components in reaching this objective.
By improving the interface's usability, efficiency, and intuitiveness, micro-interactions contribute significantly to the user experience as a whole. They can aid in directing users through the user interface, offering them feedback on their choices, and generally enhancing and enjoying the experience. Additionally, they may be intended to give an interface individuality and character so that it stands out from the competition and is more remembered.
I'm a developer, do I need to learn this?
It's your choice in the end but I'd prefer learning these small features to create a large impact on the user's experience.
But why?
Let's say you developed a login screen using firebase where the user logs in using email-password or Google, we understand that network calls do take some time. Normally, developers use a loading pop-up or overlay, right?
If we don't put loading progress then?
Then the user will think either there's a network issue from their side or the app/site is not working, but after a few moments, it works.
To avoid confusion and keep informing users without utilizing the entire screen or resource is the role of micro-interactions.
That is micro-interactions, not only that, I'll mention some known micro-interactions that you must use in your projects/products as well.
Some examples of micro-interactions:
Feedback: providing feedback on user actions, such as a vibration or sound when a button is pressed.
Loading and progress Indicators: Showing a loading icon or animation while data is being loaded or the progress of the task, i.e., 75% out of 100% using a seek bar.
Pull-to-refresh: A gesture that allows users to pull down a list of items to refresh the content.
Onboarding: Introducing new users to the app's features and functionality through interactive tutorials.
Error messages: Showing error messages when an action cannot be completed, such as when a required field is left blank.
Push notifications: Send notifications to users about new content or updates.
Swipe gestures: Allowing users to swipe left or right on an item to perform a specific action, such as deleting or marking as read.
Search suggestions: Providing suggestions as users type in a search field to make it easier for them to find what they're looking for.
Image carousel: Allowing users to swipe through a series of images, often used to showcase products or features.
Interactive charts and graphs: Using interactive charts and graphs to display data, such as allowing users to zoom in or pan around the graph.
Personalization: Personalizing the app's interface and functionality based on the user's preferences or past usage.
Rating and reviews: Allowing users to rate and leave reviews on products, services, or content within the app.
QR code scanning: Allowing users to scan QR codes to access content, make payments, or connect with other users.
Image editing: Allowing users to edit images within the app, for example, cropping, rotating, or adding filters when uploading the profile picture.
Adaptive/Responsive layout: Changing the layout of the app based on the device's orientation, screen size, or other factors.
App navigation: Using gestures, animations, or other techniques to guide users through the app's navigation.
Ambient notifications: Displaying notifications in a subtle way, such as through a change in color or animation, without interrupting the user's current task.
App tutorial: Creating interactive tutorials to introduce new users to the app's features and functionality. Example
App security: Implementing security features, such as fingerprint or face recognition, to protect user data and access to the app.
App customization: Allowing users to customize the app's appearance and functionality, such as choosing a different theme or creating shortcuts.
Conclusion
Last but not least, micro-interactions are little yet powerful features that may significantly affect the entire user experience. They are easy yet effective methods for enhancing the enjoyment and engagement of digital encounters. The best aspect is that they are simple to use and can be smoothly integrated into any design. The little things count, and a website or mobile app with thoughtfully designed micro-interactions may provide users with a more memorable and enjoyable experience. I believe the implementation of these minute things will take some time but the UX will exponentially grow as you make things look more seamless or smooth.