This week, we were introduced to our final semester topic, Playful Interactions, led by Kyle, who will guide us through designing and researching for the future of digital experiences. We explored what interactions are and how they support and shape users' engagement with digital products and systems. The session also introduced us to the two projects we will be working on over the next 12 weeks: Microanimations and Future Living. Both projects feel exciting and unique, offering a different approach from my previous work and providing a strong foundation for exploring creative thinking, interaction design, and research focused on the future of design.
Microinteractions are small, focused moments within a digital experience that respond to a user’s action or system event. They typically involve a trigger, an action, and feedback—such as a button press, a loading animation, or a notification. Their purpose is to communicate what is happening, guide users through tasks, and make interactions feel more intuitive and responsive. When designed well, microinteractions improve usability while adding clarity and a sense of refinement to the overall experience.
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Microinteractions in UX Design: Best Practices and Examples
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The future of design is rapidly evolving alongside advancements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. UX is shifting towards more adaptive, intelligent systems that can respond to user behaviour in real time, reducing friction and creating more personalised experiences. AI is increasingly being used to support ideation, automate processes, and enhance decision-making within design workflows. As a result, designers are moving towards more strategic roles, focusing on ethics, systems thinking, and creating meaningful experiences that balance human needs with intelligent automation.
This week, we were introduced to the project briefs for the semester, including both the microinteractions project and Future Living. The session outlined the expectations for each brief and how they will develop throughout the module. Both projects feel engaging and open-ended, offering opportunities to explore interaction design, storytelling, and speculative thinking. Overall, it provided a clear direction for the semester and helped establish an understanding of how each project will progress.
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This week’s introductory class provided an overview of the semester ahead, introducing the key project briefs and outlining what will be expected across the module. We were presented with both the microinteractions and Future Living projects, gaining an initial understanding of their scope and potential direction. The session helped set a clear foundation for the work ahead, highlighting opportunities to explore interaction design, storytelling, and speculative thinking throughout the course.
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