Micro-interactions - Design is in the details

As learning designers, we are continuously trying to boost learner engagement and increase knowledge retention. One commonly overlooked way we accomplish this is with micro-interactions. They may be small, and you may not notice them but isn’t that the point? As good design, when done well, should be invisible. This mindset summarises micro-interactions in a nutshell. They keep the learner focussed on the screen without taking attention away from the content. In hand, enhancing the learning experience and keeping the learners engaged.

In digital learning, micro-interactions are very important tool in our arsenal and are a powerful way of adding depth to the content. If you were to replicate micro-interactions in the classroom environment, it would be as simple as eye contact with the facilitator or them pointing at the whiteboard. If you were to take these away you would lose out on the quality of the learning.

From an untrained eye, these very simple interactions will often go undetected. However for us, they play a huge part in designing intuitive digital learning.

At Fenturi, we are a creative digital learning agency. Our design team enjoys playing around with different techniques and learning theory to create a selection of different micro-interactions we can draw upon in our digital learning projects.Some of these include;

• Simple cursor movements
• Buttons
• Interesting visuals on screen
• The use of typography
• The use of soundscapes
• And many, many more

• Keeping learners focussed
• Making sure learners are engaging with the content
• They are tiny aspects that help ‘bring content to life’
• Using a selection of different interactions keeps the learning fresh
• Involving the learner in the learning process
• Helping with knowledge retention

Another important point to make if you are thinking about embedding more micro-interactions into your learning is that you want them to mimic people’s everyday lives. You want the learning to flow, for the experience to be seamless for the learner. By looking at the todays digital habits from sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Netflix you can build familiarity of how good design works and then embed this into your learning. To find out more about how modern day media habits can help shape the future of digital learning follow the link. 

This level of attention to detail in design is what separates great digital learning from the standard elearning experience that many encounter. To speak to us directly about micro-interactions or any of your learning needs, call us on  0117 440 1000, email us at hello@fenturi.com or interact with us using the contact form below.