Interaction Model

An Interaction Model defines the ways in which a user can interact with a product or system. It outlines the different types of user actions (e.g., clicks, taps, gestures) and system responses (e.g., visual feedback, data retrieval) in order to achieve a goal. The interaction model forms the basis for designing intuitive user interfaces that align with user expectations and improve the overall user experience.

A consistent interaction model means users only have to learn how your product works once — after that, new features feel familiar because they follow the same patterns. Breaking the interaction model (a button that behaves differently in one context, a gesture that does something unexpected) creates confusion and support burden. For products with complex functionality, documenting the interaction model explicitly helps new designers and engineers build features that feel native.

Figma's interaction model is built around selecting objects, then applying actions to the selection — consistent whether you're moving, resizing, styling, or grouping. This model means users can predict how any new feature will work before they try it, dramatically reducing the learning curve for new functionality.