Interaction Patterns
Definition
Interaction patterns are standardized, reusable solutions to common user interface problems that provide consistent and predictable ways for users to interact with digital products. These patterns establish conventions for how users expect to navigate, input data, receive feedback, and accomplish tasks across different applications and websites.
Interaction patterns serve as a shared language between designers, developers, and users, reducing cognitive load by creating familiar experiences that users can quickly understand and use effectively.
Types of Interaction Patterns
Navigation Patterns
- Tab navigation: Horizontal tabs for switching between content sections
- Breadcrumb navigation: Hierarchical path showing current location
- Sidebar navigation: Vertical menu for primary site navigation
- Pagination: Breaking content into manageable pages
- Infinite scroll: Continuously loading content as user scrolls
Input Patterns
- Form patterns: Text inputs, dropdowns, checkboxes, radio buttons
- Search patterns: Search bars, filters, autocomplete
- Date/time pickers: Calendar widgets, time selectors
- File upload: Drag-and-drop, browse buttons
- Multi-select: Checkbox lists, tag inputs
Feedback Patterns
- Loading states: Spinners, progress bars, skeleton screens
- Error handling: Inline validation, error messages, retry options
- Success feedback: Confirmation messages, checkmarks
- Empty states: Placeholder content, call-to-action guidance
- Tooltips: Contextual help and information
Content Display Patterns
- Card layouts: Grouped content in contained units
- List views: Vertical or horizontal item arrangements
- Grid layouts: Structured content organization
- Modal dialogs: Overlay content for focused interactions
- Accordion: Collapsible content sections
Core Principles
Consistency
- Visual consistency: Similar elements look and behave the same way
- Behavioral consistency: Similar actions produce similar results
- Terminological consistency: Same terms used throughout the interface
Predictability
- Familiar conventions: Following established industry standards
- Clear affordances: Visual cues that indicate interactive elements
- Logical flow: Interactions follow expected sequences
Accessibility
- Keyboard navigation: All patterns work with keyboard input
- Screen reader support: Proper labeling and structure
- Focus management: Clear indication of current focus
- Color independence: Patterns don't rely solely on color
Pattern Categories by Complexity
Simple Patterns
- Buttons: Primary, secondary, ghost, icon buttons
- Links: Text links, image links, button-style links
- Icons: Navigation, action, status indicators
- Badges: Status indicators, notifications, labels
Intermediate Patterns
- Dropdowns: Select menus, action menus, context menus
- Toggles: On/off switches, show/hide toggles
- Sliders: Range inputs, volume controls, image carousels
- Tabs: Content switching, navigation tabs
Complex Patterns
- Data tables: Sortable, filterable, paginated data display
- Wizards: Multi-step processes with progress indication
- Dashboards: Multiple widgets and data visualizations
- Rich text editors: Content creation with formatting options
Design System Integration
Pattern Libraries
- Documentation: Clear descriptions and usage guidelines
- Code examples: Implementation in different frameworks
- Variations: Different states and configurations
- Accessibility notes: Implementation requirements
Component Relationships
- Composition: How patterns work together
- Hierarchy: Primary vs. secondary patterns
- Dependencies: Required supporting patterns
- Conflicts: Patterns that shouldn't be used together
Implementation Considerations
Technical Requirements
- Framework compatibility: Works across different technologies
- Performance: Efficient rendering and interaction
- Responsive design: Adapts to different screen sizes
- Browser support: Works across target browsers
User Research
- Usability testing: Validate pattern effectiveness
- A/B testing: Compare different pattern implementations
- Analytics: Track user behavior and success rates
- Accessibility testing: Ensure inclusive design
Common Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Poor Usability
- Hidden functionality: Features users can't discover
- Inconsistent behavior: Same action produces different results
- Poor feedback: Users don't know what happened
- Complex interactions: Overly complicated user flows
Accessibility Issues
- Color-only communication: Information conveyed only through color
- Small touch targets: Difficult to tap on mobile devices
- Poor contrast: Text or elements hard to see
- Missing labels: Screen readers can't identify elements
Evolution and Trends
Emerging Patterns
- Voice interfaces: Speech input and output
- Gesture controls: Touch and motion-based interactions
- AI-powered interfaces: Intelligent suggestions and automation
- Augmented reality: Overlay interactions in real environments
Platform-Specific Patterns
- Mobile-first: Touch-optimized interactions
- Desktop conventions: Mouse and keyboard interactions
- Cross-platform: Consistent experiences across devices
- Native vs. web: Platform-appropriate implementations
Measuring Pattern Success
Quantitative Metrics
- Task completion rates: How often users succeed
- Time to completion: Speed of task accomplishment
- Error rates: Frequency of user mistakes
- Usage analytics: Which patterns are most used
Qualitative Feedback
- User satisfaction: How users feel about the experience
- Learnability: How quickly users understand patterns
- Memorability: How well users remember patterns
- Accessibility feedback: Input from users with disabilities
Related Concepts
- Design Systems: Comprehensive collections of patterns and components
- User Experience Design: Overall experience strategy and planning
- Information Architecture: Structure and organization of content
- Usability: Ease of use and user satisfaction
- Accessibility: Inclusive design for all users