Interaction Patterns
What are Interaction Patterns?
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.
Think of interaction patterns like the common gestures you use every day - you know that swiping left or right on your phone will navigate between photos, or that clicking a button will trigger an action. These patterns work because they're familiar and predictable.
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.
Why Interaction Patterns Matter
Interaction patterns help you create interfaces that feel familiar and intuitive to users. They reduce the learning curve by providing consistent ways to interact with your product, and they help you build faster by reusing proven solutions instead of reinventing the wheel.
They also improve accessibility by following established conventions that work well with assistive technologies, and they create better user experiences by reducing cognitive load and making interactions predictable.
Types of Interaction Patterns
Navigation Patterns
Tab navigation uses horizontal tabs for switching between content sections.
Breadcrumb navigation shows a hierarchical path indicating the current location.
Sidebar navigation provides a vertical menu for primary site navigation.
Pagination breaks content into manageable pages.
Infinite scroll continuously loads content as the user scrolls.
Input Patterns
Form patterns include text inputs, dropdowns, checkboxes, and radio buttons.
Search patterns encompass search bars, filters, and autocomplete functionality.
Date/time pickers provide calendar widgets and time selectors.
File upload includes drag-and-drop and browse button functionality.
Multi-select covers checkbox lists and tag inputs.
Feedback Patterns
Loading states show spinners, progress bars, and skeleton screens.
Error handling provides inline validation, error messages, and retry options.
Success feedback displays confirmation messages and checkmarks.
Empty states show placeholder content and call-to-action guidance.
Tooltips provide contextual help and information.
Content Display Patterns
Card layouts group content in contained units.
List views arrange items vertically or horizontally.
Grid layouts organize content in structured arrangements.
Modal dialogs overlay content for focused interactions.
Accordion creates collapsible content sections.
Core Principles
Consistency
Visual consistency means similar elements look and behave the same way.
Behavioral consistency ensures similar actions produce similar results.
Terminological consistency uses the same terms throughout the interface.
Predictability
Familiar conventions follow established industry standards.
Clear affordances provide visual cues that indicate interactive elements.
Logical flow ensures interactions follow expected sequences.
Accessibility
Keyboard navigation means all patterns work with keyboard input.
Screen reader support provides proper labeling and structure.
Focus management offers clear indication of current focus.
Color independence ensures patterns don't rely solely on color.
Pattern Categories by Complexity
Simple Patterns
Buttons include primary, secondary, ghost, and icon buttons.
Links encompass text links, image links, and button-style links.
Icons cover navigation, action, and status indicators.
Badges include status indicators, notifications, and labels.
Intermediate Patterns
Dropdowns include select menus, action menus, and context menus.
Toggles cover on/off switches and show/hide toggles.
Sliders include range inputs, volume controls, and image carousels.
Tabs provide content switching and navigation functionality.
Complex Patterns
Data tables offer sortable, filterable, and paginated data display.
Wizards guide users through multi-step processes with progress indication.
Dashboards combine multiple widgets and data visualizations.
Rich text editors enable content creation with formatting options.
Design System Integration
Pattern Libraries
Documentation provides clear descriptions and usage guidelines for component libraries.
Code examples show implementation in different frameworks.
Variations demonstrate different states and configurations.
Accessibility notes outline implementation requirements.
Component Relationships
Composition shows how patterns work together.
Hierarchy distinguishes primary vs. secondary patterns.
Dependencies identify required supporting patterns.
Conflicts highlight patterns that shouldn't be used together.
Implementation Considerations
Technical Requirements
Framework compatibility ensures patterns work across different technologies.
Performance focuses on efficient rendering and interaction.
Responsive design adapts patterns to different screen sizes.
Browser support ensures patterns work across target browsers.
User Research
Usability testing validates pattern effectiveness.
A/B testing compares different pattern implementations.
Analytics tracks user behavior and success rates.
Accessibility testing ensures inclusive design.
Common Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Poor Usability
Hidden functionality creates features users can't discover.
Inconsistent behavior means the same action produces different results.
Poor feedback leaves users unsure about what happened.
Complex interactions create overly complicated user flows.
Accessibility Issues
Color-only communication conveys information only through color.
Small touch targets are difficult to tap on mobile devices.
Poor contrast makes text or elements hard to see.
Missing labels prevent screen readers from identifying elements.
Evolution and Trends
Emerging Patterns
Voice interfaces enable speech input and output.
Gesture controls support touch and motion-based interactions.
AI-powered interfaces provide intelligent suggestions and automation.
Augmented reality creates overlay interactions in real environments.
Platform-Specific Patterns
Mobile-first patterns optimize for touch interactions.
Desktop conventions support mouse and keyboard interactions.
Cross-platform patterns create consistent experiences across devices.
Native vs. web patterns provide platform-appropriate implementations.
Getting Started
If you want to improve your interaction patterns, begin with these fundamentals:
Start by studying established patterns from successful products in your industry.
Focus on consistency by using the same patterns for similar interactions throughout your product.
Test your patterns with real users to ensure they work as expected.
Consider accessibility from the beginning by ensuring patterns work with keyboard navigation and screen readers.
Document your patterns clearly so your team can implement them consistently.
Remember that interaction patterns are not just about individual components - they're about creating a cohesive, predictable experience that users can learn once and apply everywhere. When implemented thoughtfully, they become a powerful tool for creating interfaces that feel familiar, intuitive, and accessible to all users.