Mobile App Development: Micro-Interactions and Micro-Animations in Motion Design
Micro-Animations in Motion Design
You might have noticed that most of the top popular mobile applications feature micro-animations – those tiny animated images that supply clear visual feedback on whatever is happening in the app.
Micro-animations are small but powerful. They strengthen engagement and breath fresh air into the whole process of user interaction, making it easier for users to understand the hierarchy of elements and get a focused sense of control.
When it comes to small screens and flat designs, micro-animations become an art of accommodating all important information into a square inch, if not the less. With wisely used animations your mobile app can do both, show the progress and help users understand the process. You can still use static bars but if you want users to feel more rewarded and, eventually, engaged – micro-animations is the key.
If you don’t want to use words to explanate, show micro-animations.
Micro-animations help create focus and attract attention to the key features of your mobile application. An appealing and playful UI flair will give your mobile app several important advantages:
- A better look and feel;
- Help in keeping users hooked and interested for a longer time;
- Entice them to take the desired actions.
This can (and should) be used during the onboarding process. Simply highlight the button you want users to start their work with, and you will make the first user experience with your mobile application a way easier for the newcomers.
Use micro-animations to reward your users.
For instance, animate the ‘submit’ button when a form is completed. And don’t forget that users will preferably complete a short form using their Name and E-mail rather than 20 complicated questions that will take ages to fill in.
Source: Synergy Way ©
Keep in mind the fact that with tech-industry development, micro-animations are no longer just pleasant surprises for users — they have become the new expected standard.
Small animations improve UI and UX. Nonetheless, every motion graphic designer should be careful with using animations in the app. The so-called “Disney animation” can easily dampen the message you are trying to communicate. If you overuse it, you risk losing the impact.
Graphic Microinteractions in Mobile App Development
Interactions are the smallest details in mobile design, but they can make a tremendous difference to the overall user experience of an application.
Graphic micro-interactions in mobile app development are, probably, the best proof of small details’ power and the best technique for giving interactive feedback. Essentially, through micro-interactions users see the connection between an action and an app’s response.
Microinteraction is a little moment that does one small task.
The most obvious example can be seen in almost any app or website – when you evaluate a product or a service and press the “like” button (or a mark “5” or “1”) you see that your click has been counted. This also happens when we follow or unfollow, like or dislike, rate or enter your review mark.
These little details typically serve essential functions, e.g. communicating the result of an action, enhancing the sense of direct control, accomplishing individual tasks, visualizing the feedback, etc.
To get a better understanding of how your mobile app design benefits from micro-interactions, let’s take a look at some motion graphics examples and types of mobile apps they are being used for.
The system should always keep users informed about what is happening, through the appropriate feedback and within a reasonable time.
First of all, motion graphics and micro-interactions are often used to demonstrate the system status. This is where all users, including you, will expect to get a response immediately. Meanwhile, your app needs some time to complete an action, keep your users aware of what’s happening.
Nobody likes to wait. Distract your users from ‘loading times’ by showing animation. The processes of uploading and downloading are just perfect for using animated micro-interactions. Even a short loading animation will add a little delight or at least some fun during the dead time.
Source: Synergy Way ©
To make your mobile app more user-friendly, we suggest making buttons and controls more tangible. To enhance clarity through the visual response, show the result of action through the motion design, may that be a movement of the button’s “shadow” or any other animation type that would feel like direct manipulation.
Hover animations are the best way to convey the user that they work with interactive elements. Sometimes it’s even enough to have a slight sign that ‘makes’ a button clickable. As easy as that.
Source: Synergy Way ©
There are numerous types of animation that can be used for building meaningful transitions. Good motion design can guide users through the navigational processes, describe recent changes, and stress on the required actions.
Source: Synergy Way ©
You can also help your users get started with the micro-interactions. Flawless motion design and top-quality mobile animation can create the first impression upon the user’s mind.
Microinteractions are very helpful during the onboarding phase. Highlighting the most important and outstanding controls and features, you will help users get a better insight into the new system. Guide and educate users after the launch, reveal the most important information and get rewarded afterward.
Source: Synergy Way ©
Use micro interactions for highlighting important changes, showing notifications (to ensure the user sees the change), adding delightful details, and fun animation. Microinteractions can help you enhance users’ experience and encourage them to interact.
Source: Synergy Way ©
Microinteractions will save your time and effort by the means of sharing information, catching the user’s attention, and adding visual harmony.
Planning your next project? Feel free to contact us to get a free estimate online. Button animations, meaningful transitions, and other microinteractions work because they suit users’ instinctive desire for awareness. Hence, only when designed with care.
