Designing for Feedback:How MicrointeractionsInfluence User Perceptionin Web Interfaces
Filippa Furman · KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) · 2026
This study examines how the presence of microinteractions in a web interface influences users’ understanding and satisfaction during short, goal-oriented tasks. While microinteractions are widely used in modern digital interfaces, existing research has primarily focused on conceptual discussions rather than controlled empirical comparisons of their effects on user experience. To address this gap, a quantitative experimental study was conducted using a between-subjects design. Two interactive prototypes of an e-commerce interface were developed: one including microinteractions and one without. A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions and completed a predefined task. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire measuring perceived understanding and satisfaction, complemented by open-ended responses. The results indicate that microinteractions have a positive effect on both users’ understanding and satisfaction. Participants interacting with the prototype including microinteractions reported clearer interpretation of system feedback and a more positive overall experience compared to those using the static interface. These findings suggest that immediate and context-specific feedback supports users in forming more accurate mental models of system behavior, which contributes to improved user experience. The study contributes empirical evidence to an area that has previously been dominated by theoretical perspectives and highlights the importance of micro-level interaction design in shaping user perceptions. From a practical perspective, the findings suggest that incorporating microinteractions can enhance clarity and satisfaction in task-based interactions, particularly in web-based environments such as e-commerce.