again to watch the list bounce back. Some apps have built upon
this expectation to provide unique and equally addictive
animations. For example, Yahoo! News Digest has a large image
at the top of each story that zooms in and then snaps back to
normal size as the user scrolls upward and lets go.
In many mobile apps, a downward pulling gesture at the top of a
list triggers a refresh of content from the server, usually
accompanied by an animation. Although done for functional
reasons, this action can be addictive as well, leading to repeated
pulling well before any realistic expectation of new content being
available. A client with a mobile app that has millions of users
once told us that repeated pull-to-refresh was so pervasive they
had to limit the actual server request to only once every 30
seconds, faking the animated feedback for repeated requests
within that time period. It’s a good reminder that addictive actions
can bring delight and appeal to a product, but one should be
careful of their unintended consequences, whether it’s the need
for a physical hinge that’s rated for a much high number of
openings or avoiding a server overload.
Delightful Reaction
Lids, switches, and sliders can be satisfying to use, providing
direct sensorial feedback that confirms an action and, in the best
instances, feel good in the process. However, direct feedback is
only one way a product can engage our senses. By reacting to
our presence, intention, and continued engagement, a product
can be inviting and delightful, coming to life in unique and
surprising ways.
Figure 2.x Beosystem 2500
The Danish high-end audio manufacturer Bang & Olufsen (B&O),
is known for their unique product designs that push the limits of
technology to explore new form factors and interaction