What are micro-interactions and why do they matter?

Micro-interactions are small, subtle animations and feedback mechanisms that occur when users interact with interface elements. Examples include button hover effects, loading animations, form validation feedback, and success confirmations. They matter because they provide immediate feedback, guide users, and make interfaces feel responsive and polished. Good micro-interactions improve perceived performance even when actual load times are the same. They also help users understand system state and reduce errors. However, they should be subtle and purposeful—overdoing animations can distract or annoy users. Example: A subtle button animation on click confirms the action was registered, reducing user uncertainty and improving confidence.