When it comes to creating great user experiences, little details can make a big difference. One example? That satisfying checkmark animation that pops up when you complete a workout or finish a task in an app. It might seem small, but it’s actually powerful stuff—this simple visual can create a real sense of achievement and keep users coming back for more.
Why the Brain Loves a Checkmark
When you accomplish something and get that little checkmark, your brain rewards you by releasing dopamine. That’s the same “feel-good” chemical we get from things we enjoy, like eating our favorite food. According to the American Psychological Association, dopamine plays a big role in our pleasure and reward circuits. It’s what makes us want to repeat the things that feel good, which, in an app, could be something as simple as finishing a workout.
Plus, research from the Journal of Neuroscience backs this up: even a small visual cue can give users that feeling of accomplishment. Studies suggest that visual feedback, like a checkmark, activates the brain’s reward system and makes those moments stick with us longer. (Source)
How Checkmark Animations Keep Users Engaged
Aside from just feeling good, animations like checkmarks actually guide users, making the app feel easier and more rewarding to use. UX Magazine explains it well: “Motion design helps enhance user experience by making interactions more intuitive.” So, instead of having users read a message to understand their progress, a quick checkmark says it all.
Animations also reduce the cognitive load for users by providing instant feedback, letting them know they’re on the right track. According to the Human-Computer Interaction Institute, this kind of motion design can make an interface more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
Real-life examples
Marc, the founder and director of Bisuala, shared a memorable experience from his time at Fitplan. One user mentioned that her favorite feature in the app was the simple checkmark animation. It gave her a sense of accomplishment and kept her motivated to stick to her training plan.
Another interesting example comes from an Asana forum, where a user expressed disappointment about not seeing the delightful unicorn animation after completing a task. It’s a reminder of how small, thoughtful animations can create an emotional connection and enhance user satisfaction.
And lastly, here’s our checkmark animation for Matchday, a mobile game built in Unity. The creative pillars of Matchday are distinctly football, charmingly playful, and delightfully crafted. We believe we’ve ticked all the boxes.
Tips for Creating Effective Checkmark Animations
To really get the benefits of a checkmark animation, here’s what works:
Quick and Simple: Keep it short so users get that boost without any interruptions.
Consistent Style: Make sure the animation fits in with the rest of your app’s design.
Immediate Feedback: Timing is everything—users should see it right when they complete a task.
Wrapping It Up
Checkmark animations might be small, but they pack a punch. They create that rewarding experience that keeps people engaged and happy, and it’s all backed by some interesting science. At Bisuala, we’re all about creating these kinds of engaging moments in our motion design work, giving users a reason to come back and feel good about every interaction.
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