The micromoments of joy.
Imagine using a app that just moves from one screen to another, boring and static. Now compare it to an app where every transition feels natural. Animations can make digital experiences feel magical. Give the user something to remember and feel good about using that product over and over again. In this post, I’ll share examples from apps I’ve encountered over the past decade of my product design journey, and detailing out some of my thumb-rules to add delight into your apps.
https://60fps.design/shots/tilt-otp-verified
Why it matters
Delight in app design goes beyond adding fun interactions — it’s about creating experiences that make software feel more human and responsive. It’s the thoughtful details that make an app feel good, creating an emotional connection between the user and the product.
From a psychological perspective, delightful design taps into the brain’s reward system. When users experience a smooth transition, a playful animation, or a satisfying interaction, it triggers a small release of dopamine — the chemical associated with pleasure and reward. These micro-moments of joy not only make the experience more enjoyable but also encourage users to keep coming back. The key lies in crafting those “aha” moments where the experience feels both novel and meaningful, creating a lasting impression.
In a crowded market, it’s these small but impactful details that make a product stand out, transforming it into an experience users cherish and remember.https://60fps.design/apps/mist
Delightful experiences feel natural
In the real world, nothing appears or disappears instantly, yet apps often feel artificial due to abrupt changes. To create a more natural experience, transitions should ease users into changes rather than jarring them.
Smooth and realistic animations bridge the gap between digital and physical, making interactions feel intuitive.
Like in the Airbnb iOS app example above, the host passport reveal animation feels natural, like flipping through a real passport. Its smooth motion makes the experience intuitive and enjoyable.
https://60fps.design/shots/airbnb-host-reveal-animation
Similarly, the shot below from Untitled iOS App lets you swap out discs as if you were doing it in real life while selecting a profile picture. The cover naturally expands to type in the username, perfectly mimicking real-world interaction of a CD holder.
https://60fps.design/shots/untitled-disk-picker-interaction
Delightful experiences engages the senses
When multiple senses are engaged — through visual, auditory, or tactile feedback — users form a stronger emotional connection with the product. These sensory touches not only elevate the experience but also leave a lasting impression of the brand in the user’s memory.
In the Opal iOS app, unlocking a gem feels so satisfying — you tap to crack the stone bit by bit, with every tap giving you haptic feedback and sound. On the final crack, the gem bursts out and scales up with a magical sound. Totally gamified and so fun!
https://60fps.design/shots/opal-gem-unlocked-animation
In the Not Boring Habits iOS app, checking off a habit feels so rewarding — it’s has this zooming sound, haptics, light rays filling in the check, and then a final explosion. So satisfying!
https://60fps.design/shots/not-boring-habits-long-press-mark-habit-interaction
Delightful experiences feel purposeful
By selectively emphasizing certain elements or moments, you can guide the user’s focus and make features more memorable. Even rarely used features deserve attention; surprising users with thoughtful details in these areas can create moments of delight that feel fresh and novel.
Like in the Airbnb iOS app example below, your eye is instantly drawn to the pop-up, framing it as a rare place to find and building trust. The gem spins and sparkles, and the text subtly bounces with a spring effect, making the whole interaction feel so smooth and natural.
https://60fps.design/apps/airbnb
The slider on Gentler Streak is such a fun touch — the mascot shows emotions as you adjust exertion levels after a workout, and the haptics match the vibe. Soft feedback when you’re below range and quicker, snappier haptics when you’re in the usual range.
https://60fps.design/apps/gentler-streak
Delightful experiences balance intensity
Not all moments require the same level of emphasis. Varying the intensity of delightful touches ensures that interactions remain special over time.
https://benji.org/family-values#delight-through-selective-emphasis
Using too many delightful features, especially in parts of the app people use often, can lose its impact. Instead, keep things subtle where it makes sense and highlight where it will surprise users.
From Queue iOS app with emotes popping out above the pause button to subtly emphasise that playback is active. This small interaction feels intentional and adds charm without overwhelming the user.
https://60fps.design/shots/queue-emoji-pop-animation
In the Miles iOS app, the welcome sheet smoothly transforms into the permission sheet, creating a sense of flow and continuity. Each movement feels natural, like stepping forward in a physical space. Many apps stick to static transitions, focusing only on speed. While speed matters, I believe using motion thoughtfully can improve clarity while still feeling just as quick.
https://60fps.design/apps/miles
On BlinkIt’s iOS App when you remove a product from the cart, The item animates out from the floating widget and goes poof! It’s a small detail, but someone clearly obsessed over it, turning a routine action into a delightful little surprise.
https://60fps.design/shots/blinkit-add-remove-cart-animation
On Family App when you try swiping over the price chart you can see the trend arrow flips direction up or down along with the changing numbers. Small detail, but delights the user.
https://60fps.design/apps/family
Winding up
Getting it right takes some trial and error, especially with animations — they require patience and a fresh set of eyes. Stepping away and coming back later helps you spot the little imperfections and tweak them just right.
For founders, making a great app means understanding how users think, using animations and feedback thoughtfully, and adding small, special touches. When you pay attention to the little details, you create products people don’t just use — they love, remember and share it with other people.
Resources
The World’s Most Satisfying Checkbox — Andy AllenFamily Values — Benji TaylorGreat Animations—Emil KowalskiVideo shots from 60fps.design
What makes an app delightful was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
