TECH

Vol.79

author

Designer

Y.T

10 microinteractions that enhance UX

#WEB#design#UI / UX#ユーザー#micro interaction#interaction
Last update : 2026.5.14
Posted : 2017.9.28
This time, we’ll introduce microinteractions — small but important details that can greatly improve the quality of a website. Since the emergence of Google’s Material Design guidelines, websites utilizing microinteractions have become increasingly common. Many web experiences that feel intuitive and enjoyable to use are carefully refined with microinteractions throughout the interface.
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What are microinteractions?

According to :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}’s book “Microinteractions: Designing with Details,” the following description is given regarding microinteractions.

A microinteraction is the smallest unit of interaction that accomplishes a single task based on a single scenario.

Taken literally, “microinteraction” can be interpreted as “small interactions in the details.”

So what exactly can microinteractions do?
Animations such as transforming a hamburger menu icon into an “X” when clicked are implemented everywhere in modern interfaces. Actions triggered by user behavior — such as selecting options or clicking buttons — are examples of microinteractions.
The primary purpose of these subtle effects is to help users notice things more easily, understand interfaces more intuitively, and accomplish their goals more effectively through visual feedback.
Microinteractions that improve usability help smooth communication between users and systems, ultimately increasing the perceived value of services and products.

The following are examples of animations and interactions that contribute to better UX.

In addition, :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} announced its recommended 10 colors for Autumn 2017. Since all of them are calm and sophisticated colors, you may want to incorporate them into your designs.

  • Communicate system status and provide feedback
  • Help users feel they are directly interacting with the interface
  • Make the results of user actions easier to understand

10 interaction examples worth trying

Communicating Website Status

Communicating website status means continuously informing users about what is happening on the site. Users expect quick responses, but depending on network conditions or device environments, websites may sometimes take time to react. In such cases, displaying loading animations can reduce user stress.
Even situations that would normally feel frustrating can become part of a positive user experience when enhanced with thoughtful animation.

Example image of communicating website status

Reference site:CodePen

CTA (Call To Action)

CTA stands for “Call To Action.”
By implementing attractive animations, designers can capture users’ attention and guide them toward the next desired action.

Example image of Call To Action

Reference site:CodePen
Reference site:CodePen

Highlighting important elements

To save space, apps and websites sometimes replace buttons or UI elements depending on context. In these situations, animations help attract users’ attention and ensure important information is not overlooked.

Example image of highlighting important elements

Reference site:Bootsnipp
Reference site:CodePen

Maintaining Consistent Interaction Rules

On smaller screens such as smartphones and smartwatches, displaying large amounts of information can be difficult. Consistent interaction patterns help users understand where they are within the interface and quickly navigate to the pages they want.

Example image of maintaining consistent interaction rules

Reference site:Significa
Reference site:Codyhouse
Reference site:Tympanus

Visualizing Data Input

Improving the quality of form interactions can significantly enhance the overall quality of a website.
For users, filling out forms can feel tedious. However, incorporating microinteractions can make the process more engaging and improve the user experience.

Example image of visualizing data input

Reference site:CodePen
Reference site:Tympanus

Conclusion

What did you think?
Today, interactions have become an essential component of improving UI and UX. There are countless sample source codes and examples available online, so try experimenting with them, customizing them, and discovering your own approach to using microinteractions effectively.

Source:7 Secrets to Better UX with Microinteractions

Source:The Basics of Web Design: Understanding How to Use Microinteractions

Source:The Role of Easing in UX-Driven Microinteractions

Source:What Is Micro Design? Improving UX Through Small Changes

Source:5 Important Tips for Designing Microinteractions

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