Dallas, Texas
## Introduction
Micro-interactions are small, contained moments in a user interface that accomplish a single task—like liking a post, toggling a setting, or confirming a form submission. Thoughtfully designed motion can bring these interactions to life, providing cues, feedback and delight. This insight explores how to use motion in micro-interactions to enhance user experience.
## Guiding attention and feedback
Motion can direct the user's focus and clarify the result of an action. Use subtle transitions to guide the eye from one element to another, such as sliding a panel into view or animating a dropdown. Provide instant feedback through animated states when users interact with buttons, switches or form fields—confirming that their input has been received.
## Conveying hierarchy and continuity
Use motion to indicate relationships between elements. Animate transitions between pages or states so users understand how content is connected and where they are in the flow. For example, a card expanding into a detailed view signals that the two views are related. Avoid abrupt jumps; smooth transitions help maintain context.
## Expressing brand personality and delight
Motion is an opportunity to convey brand personality and build an emotional connection. Choose easing curves and animation styles that align with your brand—playful, calm, energetic or professional. Use animated micro-interactions sparingly to add delight, not distraction. A well-timed movement can make an experience feel polished and memorable.
## Best practices for micro-animations
Keep animations short and purposeful—usually between 200–400 milliseconds. Use consistent easing functions across your interface to create a cohesive feel. Test animations on different devices and under varying network conditions to ensure they don’t hinder performance. Respect user preferences by providing reduced-motion alternatives or disabling animations when the system's reduced motion setting is enabled.
## Conclusion
When used thoughtfully, motion enhances micro-interactions by guiding attention, providing feedback and expressing personality. Focus on clarity and purpose: every animation should serve a functional role and support the user’s task. With a light touch, motion can transform routine interactions into engaging, intuitive experiences.
