Interaction Design (IxD)

What is interaction design and why is it important for my website?

Interaction Design, often shortened to IxD, is all about the conversation between a user and a digital product, like your website. It’s not just about how things look, but how they feel and behave when someone uses them. Think about every click, scroll, swipe, and tap. IxD is the thoughtful process of making those actions feel natural, responsive, and intuitive.

Its importance can't be overstated. Good interaction design builds trust and makes your website a pleasure to use, encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more. It removes friction and confusion, guiding users smoothly towards their goals. On the other hand, poor interaction design can make a visually beautiful site feel clunky and frustrating, leading people to leave and never come back.

How is interaction design different from user interface or user experience?

It’s easy to get these terms mixed up because they are all deeply connected, but they have distinct roles. Think of User Experience (UX) as the entire journey and overall feeling a person has when using your site. It’s the big picture of whether the experience was enjoyable and effective.

The User Interface (UI) is the specific set of visual elements a person uses to navigate that journey, like the buttons, menus, and forms. Interaction Design (IxD) is the bridge that connects them. It defines how those UI elements respond and behave when a user interacts with them. If UX is the story, and UI is the scenery, then IxD is the dialogue and stage direction that brings it all to life.

What are some examples of good interaction design on a Webflow site?

Webflow is a brilliant platform for implementing sophisticated interaction design because it allows for granular control over animations and triggers without needing to write pages of code. This means we can create truly custom and engaging experiences that feel seamless.

Some great examples include subtle hover states on buttons that provide clear visual feedback that an element is clickable. You might see smooth page transitions that guide the user’s eye naturally from one section to another, or forms that offer real-time validation, like a green tick appearing when you enter a valid email address. Even a delightful Lottie animation that plays after submitting a contact form is a perfect example of IxD confirming a successful action and adding a touch of personality.

How can subtle animations and microinteractions improve my website's conversion rates?

Thoughtful interaction design is a powerful tool for boosting business goals. Subtle animations and microinteractions do more than just add visual flair; they provide critical feedback, reduce uncertainty, and guide user behaviour. This clarity and guidance are fundamental to effective Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO).

For instance, when a user adds an item to their cart and a small animation confirms the action by showing the item flying into the cart icon, it removes any doubt about whether the click worked. This builds confidence and reduces friction in the buying process. Similarly, a progress bar on a multi-step form encourages completion by showing the user how far they have to go. These small, purposeful interactions make the user journey smoother, which in turn makes users more likely to complete a desired action, like making a purchase or signing up.

How does Tahi Studio approach interaction design in our projects?

At Tahi Studio, we believe interaction design should always be purposeful. We don't add animations just for decoration; every interaction is designed to enhance clarity, provide helpful feedback, or create a moment of delight that strengthens your brand identity. Our process begins with a deep understanding of your users and what they need to achieve on your site.

We meticulously plan and prototype these interactions in Figma first. This allows us to test the flow and feel of the user journey before any development begins, ensuring a seamless and well-considered Figma to Webflow handoff. This thoughtful approach ensures the final Webflow site is not only beautiful but also intuitive, effective, and a genuine pleasure to use.

If you're ready to create a website that feels as good to use as it looks, our design and development subscriptions are structured to deliver just that. Let's book a call to discuss how we can bring thoughtful interaction design to your project.