ComputerCorp has hired our class as a design firm. They want to experiment with new apps based on some compelling market research. They are looking for the next new viral app.

For ComputerCorp, the hottest new app will emerge from a provocative new microinteraction. For Facebook, it was the “Like” button. For Tinder, it was the “swipe.” For Instagram, it meant poaching Snapchat’s short form video into “stories.”

ComputerCorp wants their new app to have a unique and distinct mythological status.

What is a microinteraction?

Micointeractions are single-purpose GUI elements, such as: loading animations, scrollbars, notifications, “like” buttons.

• Examples of weird / interesting microinteractions

Creating a new microinteraction

From striking user interfaces

What are the strangest and most interesting user interfaces? What principles underly those interfaces?

Motivating hunches (which I'll come back to): we've discovered no more than an infinitesimal fraction of the most powerful user interface ideas; powerful new interface ideas help expand the range of thoughts we can think — Michael Nielsen in striking user interfaces

In this project, you will create a new microinteraction based on the physicality of everyday life.

At their core, microinteractions (and any GUI) are “muppets”; caricatures that rely on the physical, embodied, human-scale metaphors that we can grapple with in time and space. More about muppets here.

You will create a new, novel microinteraction based on an aspect in everyday life, transforming its essence of feeling into a GUI element.

Requirements and constraints

Projects must adhere to the following constraints:

• You will be assigned a user goal / task flow for a common type of mobile app
• You will be designing a new and novel microinteraction for your assigned task flow
• All task flows are situated within the larger goal (of any student persona) of walking to class.

Personas and problem statements

You will be assigned a problem statement and persona from the following pool:

Option 1

Persona: University Student A

• Goals: Will do whatever it takes to become a successful and high-performing adult that everyone admires. Wants to accomplish the most on any given day.
• Motivation: Wants to be the best

Problem statement: Our future users need to make their time the most productive as possible.

Option 2

Persona: University Student G

• Goals: Will do whatever it takes to never be bored. Wants to accomplish the minimum viable amount of drudgery and to maximize pleasant relaxation.
• Motivation: Wants be entertained to fit in

Problem statement: Our future users need high quality entertainment for lackluster moments.

Option 3

Persona: University Student O

• Goals: Seeks meaningful, mind-opening experiences, and kinship. Wants to become well-attuned and connected to their surroundings and other people.
• Motivation: Wants to make kin

Problem statement: Our future users need help in opening space for meaningful attention.

Option 4

Persona: University Student T

• Goals: Seeks to contribute to the world around them. Wants to become capable by learning and notice the unnoticed and fight for their kin.
• Motivation: Wants to save kin

Problem statement: Our future users need to be empowered to become active, aware, and informed.