Micro-interaction
A micro-interaction is a small, single-purpose response the interface gives to something the visitor does.
Also known as: microinteraction · interface feedback
A button pressing down under the cursor, a field showing it has been filled, a toggle sliding rather than jumping. Each is tiny; together they are what makes an interface feel alive rather than dead.
Their job is information, not decoration: they confirm that something happened. A form that gives no response after a click leaves the visitor pressing the button twice.
When to use it
When it makes sense
Anywhere the visitor acts and needs to know the action registered — buttons, forms, toggles, loading states.
When it is unnecessary
When the response is slower than the action. An animation that delays a click makes the interface feel sluggish, not polished.
Common questions
How long should a micro-interaction last?
Usually between 120 and 300 milliseconds. Longer and it feels slow; shorter and it is not noticed at all.
Is it worth the development time?
In the places that matter, yes. It is not worth adding everywhere — a page where everything reacts is as tiring as a page where nothing does.
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