The difference between a good app and a great app often comes down to the smallest details—those subtle animations and micro interactions that breathe life into the experience. These seemingly minor elements are what make a product feel intuitive, responsive, and, most importantly, enjoyable to use. When done right, they turn functional designs into premium, user-centred experiences.
Over the past 18 months, we developed an iPad app for Connells Group to digitise essential processes. The aim of the app was to increase sales whilst enhancing the agents’ efficiency and reducing overall business costs. Now, with the app live and in active use, Connells Group is eager to push their platform further, elevating it from efficient to exceptional by refining and enhancing existing features.
As the iOS lead on this project, I saw a key opportunity: integrating animations and micro interactions to add depth and fluidity to the app. In this Feature Focus, I’ll explore how these design elements enhance usability, elevate the user experience, and keep Connells Group ahead in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
How Subtle Animations Create Seamless User Experiences
Our brief was simple: elevate the Connells app to the next level. I proposed introducing micro-interactions and animations—subtle, intentional design elements that bring the app to life. Whether it’s a button smoothly changing colour upon being pressed or a seamless transition between screens, these details create an effortless flow that guides users naturally through the app. With instant feedback and action confirmation, micro-interactions make navigation intuitive and engaging, transforming functionality into an enjoyable experience.
By integrating these features, we didn’t just enhance the app’s appearance—we transformed the entire user experience. With animations and micro-interactions woven throughout, tasks become quicker, interactions more fluid, and every detail contributes to a premium feel that’s smooth, responsive, and enjoyable.
From a business perspective, these improvements boost user satisfaction and deepen engagement. In a world where every detail counts, the Connells app now stands out not only for its functionality but for how great it feels to use. This is the difference that turns casual users into loyal fans, and, like Connells Group, giving your brand a valuable edge in the market.
The Impact of Micro-Interactions and Animations
Small design touches like micro-interactions and animations are what set an app apart, enhancing user experience beyond simple aesthetics. As developers, we know these elements make navigation intuitive and keep cognitive load low, delivering what users need effortlessly.
When users are navigating an app, even minor frictions can break their focus and lead to frustration. Micro-interactions streamline these interactions by providing instant feedback, guiding users, and confirming their actions. For instance, a button that subtly changes colour or shifts when tapped reassures users that the action was registered. This feedback reduces uncertainty, giving users a sense of control and confidence as they navigate the app. In turn, they spend less mental energy guessing whether their actions were successful, which keeps their cognitive load low and the experience fluid.
Animations also make transitions between screens smoother, helping ease the flow from one task to the next. This prevents the jarring stops and starts that can disrupt engagement. By creating these seamless interactions, we not only make the app more visually engaging but also more mentally effortless to use. It’s this level of ease that encourages users to keep coming back, boosts retention, and increases recommendations.
For businesses—especially those in sectors like real estate, healthcare, or retail—where user satisfaction drives success, these subtle enhancements can deliver major benefits. In the Connells Group app, these improvements have helped agents and customers navigate tasks with greater efficiency, reducing onboarding time and lowering error rates. The smoother, more intuitive experience streamlines Connells employee’s daily operations, making them more productive and happier with the product.
And another benefit of micro-interactions and animations within digital products is that businesses create a strong foundation for future innovations. As new features or advanced tools are layered into the app, the seamless design ensures that new additions feel natural, making the app easier to evolve without overwhelming users. In industries where engagement and efficiency matter most, these small design elements lead to significant gains.
For businesses in fields like real estate, healthcare, and retail, these improvements are key. In the Connells Group app, they’ve reduced onboarding time, improved task efficiency, and increased user satisfaction. Plus, these features establish a strong foundation for future innovations, allowing the app to evolve naturally without overwhelming users.
Key Lessons and Learnings from this feature
Implementing this feature has taught me and the rest of our team a crucial lesson about the importance of integrating design and development. We learned that animations and micro-interactions can greatly enhance the user experience. The new tools we discovered made it easier for our teams to collaborate effectively, smoothing the handoff process. This not only improved our workflow but also benefited other projects on iOS, Android, and Web, reinforcing the need for seamless teamwork.
I also realised that micro-interactions are versatile, and this project opened my eyes to how I can apply them across various digital products that I am working on. For instance, in healthcare apps, animations could help users navigate complex forms, reducing errors and making tasks more manageable. Overall, this experience has taught me that focusing on small design details can lead to significant improvements in how users engage with digital products, regardless of the sector.
Micro-animations having a Macro effect
Ultimately, micro interactions and animations are more than just design flourishes—they are essential in creating fluid, intuitive, and enjoyable digital experiences. Whether it’s improving navigation or offering instant feedback, these elements turn good apps into great ones. For businesses, investing in these subtle enhancements can drive user satisfaction, increase retention, and provide a competitive edge. At Sonin, we’re committed to helping our clients build the right product, ensuring every detail—big or small—delivers real value.