Interfaces that feel physical: a field guide to micro-interactions

Physical objects respond immediately, carry momentum and settle. Interfaces that borrow these qualities feel trustworthy, because every action is visibly acknowledged.

Acknowledge within a frame

Pressed states should appear on the next frame. Even when the real work takes longer, immediate feedback tells people their input landed.

Borrow momentum, sparingly

Inertia on drag and gentle overshoot on release make carousels feel alive. Too much, and the interface feels slippery. Tune with real hands on real devices.