How do micro-animations improve UX?

Have you ever noticed how small animations on a website can make your interaction with it much more enjoyable? These barely noticeable but powerful design elements are called micro-animations. And while they may be tiny, their impact on the user experience is huge!

Micro-animations can improve UX, make the interface more intuitive, and even evoke pleasant emotions in the user. They can turn a simple button click into real magic (well, almost). So let's understand how these little magical elements can improve your website design and even help you achieve better search engine rankings!

Microanimations are small but powerful elements that can completely change the perception of a website. Here's how they improve UX:

• Hints for the user. Micro-animations help the user understand what is happening on the site. For example, when a button changes colour on hover, it's not just 'pretty', it signals that it's clickable. Example from Airbnb: the "Book" button on their website always comes to life as soon as the cursor gets closer, making the booking process a little more exciting.
• Smoothness and comfort. Smooth transitions between pages or elements give a sense of "smoothness". This is not the same as when a site tries to make you wait while it decides how to translate your query. Example from. Apple: their animations when changing slides in the menu look as if each element is seamlessly integrated into the overall process, as if the site knows what you need before you even think about it.
• Emotional bonding. Web designers can use animations to add emotion. Positive emotions on a website can increase user loyalty. Imagine that when a button is clicked on a website, an animation appears as if the button is "smiling" or "jumping with happiness" - it's a small element, but it can create a "wow" effect. Dropbox uses this technique in their interfaces, and it really helps users feel comfortable.
• Improving the perception of content. Animations can make content more appealing. When text or images appear with a smooth effect, it holds attention and allows the user to stay on the page longer. Netflix uses micro-animations to display trailers and announcements on the homepage, and this helps to engage users with the content.

Examples of the use of micro-animations:

Micro-animations can be applied to many different parts of a website. Here are a few examples:

• Navigation and buttons. Buttons on the site can slightly enlarge or change colour when the user moves the cursor over them. This makes the interface intuitive and user-friendly. Example from Spotify: the play button animates when you press it, creating the effect of turning on "music".
• Content uploading. The waiting time for content can be brightened up with animations. For example, creative loading indicators can be interesting and funny. Slack Uses animation in the form of a fun loading indicator to keep users from getting bored while waiting.
• Interactive forms and input fields. Animations can improve interaction with forms on a website. For example, input fields can smoothly highlight when the cursor is placed on them. Example from Amazon: on the checkout page, the input fields automatically prompt if the card number is entered incorrectly, with smooth animation.
• Hints and notifications. When something important happens on the site, animations can add dynamism. An example from Facebook: notifications of new messages can pop up with a smooth effect, catching the user's attention rather than annoying it.

Tools for creating micro-animations

To create such wonderful effects, you need to use the right tools. Here are some popular solutions:

• CSS animations. A simple and effective way to add animations to a website with minimal performance overhead. Suitable for most basic animations, such as changing the colour of buttons on hover.
• JavaScript and libraries (e.g. GreenSock). JavaScript is used for more complex and interactive animations. Using libraries such as GreenSock, you can create dynamic animations with full flexibility.
• Adobe After Effects and Bodymovin. If you want not just to create an animation, but to make something amazing, use Adobe After Effects with the Bodymovin plugin to export animations to JSON format.
• Lottie. An easy and convenient tool to create animations that will work on websites. These animations can be integrated into a website or application and will work quickly and efficiently.

Errors when using micro-animations

As with any tool, micro-animations can be misused. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Excessive use of animations. Sometimes animations are like spices in a soup: a little is fine, but too much and it's ruined. A site can become cluttered and "noisy" if there are too many animations. It's better to use them wisely.
• Delay in animations. If the animation is too long, it can be annoying. The user should not wait while the button slowly "jumps" on the screen. Example Google - their minimalistic animations, such as light button magnification, are perfectly timed.
• Wrong place for animation. Animations are not always appropriate. For example, on corporate sites too bright animations can look inappropriate and unprofessional. Example from LinkedIn: their animations are restrained and in keeping with the business style.
• No option to disable animations. Remember that not all users want to see animations, and not all devices support them correctly. It is good practice to give the user the option to disable animations if they need to.