Module 05 · 20 min
Navigation systems and gestures
Navigation is how people move through your IA. Mobile apps usually combine a persistent shell with one or more navigation patterns for content.
Persistent navigation
Persistent navigation stays available as people move around the app.
- App identity and a clear home link
- Primary sections
- Utilities such as shopping cart, favorites, and account
Types of navigation system
Pick the pattern that matches the job. Large catalogues need search tools; recommendation-heavy apps lean on adaptive suggestions.
- Hierarchical — the main navigation tree from section to detail.
- Adaptive — suggestions based on earlier behaviour (often AI-assisted).
- Search, sort, and filter — essential when the number of products or services is huge.
Gestures for interaction
Touch gestures are part of how people navigate and act. Keep them familiar and consistent with platform norms.
- Tap — primary select and open
- Swipe — move between related views or dismiss
- Scroll — browse long lists and pages
- Pinch — zoom when images or maps need it
- Long-press — secondary actions when the platform expects it