Leave room to fidget
Give the hands something satisfying to do while the mind works.
Rauno Freibergrauno.meWonderful interactions don't have to be entirely practical.
Rauno Freibergrauno.meThe AirPods case is uncannily satisfying to play with.
1 · Open the case
Open and close it ten times. Which one pulls you back?
Plain toggleBad
Opened
0timesLid with weightGood
Opened
0times// drag up to open: 1:1 until 70%, then rubber-band
const a = raw <= 70 ? raw : 70 + 30 * (1 - Math.exp(-(raw - 70) / 50));
// release: open past 35deg or a fast flick, else fall shut and settle
const open = velocity > 120 || (velocity > -120 && angle > 35);Why it matters, pros and cons
Why it matters
Not every control has to be efficient. One with weight and a little bounce is something to play with, and that is why people like it.
Pros
- Small physical moments make a product feel made by a person.
- Tap, drag and flick all work, so nobody has to learn it.
- Springs and settles reward the hundredth use as much as the first.
Cons
- It spends attention, so keep it out of the main path.
- Under reduced motion the lid snaps instantly with no bounce.
- If people open it for fun, it needs to stay quick and never block work.