What are micro-interactions?

Micro-interactions are best understood as atomic units of interaction that enhance user experience. They refer to the small, functional and often subtle interactions that occur within a product, such as toggling a setting, receiving feedback on button clicks, or notification animations. These interactions capture specific user tasks and behaviors and are designed to facilitate smooth transitions, provide feedback, and improve overall usability.

The term "atomic units" is significant because it emphasizes that micro-interactions are foundational elements that, while small, play an important role in the broader user experience. They are about making each small interaction intuitive and satisfying, which contributes to the overall feel of a product and how users engage with it. Each interaction can lead to enhanced satisfaction, engagement, and usability, meaning they are integral to the design rather than perceived as standalone features or major components.

Other options do not accurately describe micro-interactions. Major design components of a website refer to larger elements that comprise the interface, while broad user engagement strategies encompass overarching approaches to retaining user interest, rather than specific interactions. Social media interactions pertain specifically to user actions on social platforms, which may or may not include micro-interactions of various kinds. Hence, the characterization of micro-interactions as atomic units fits perfectly within the context of