A design pattern is a reusable solution to common design problems UI designers face when creating mobile apps from scratch. It addresses issues users encounter while interacting with an app’s interface
Designers refine these solutions over time to meet specific user interface needs. Using app design patterns streamlines the design process. They enhance efficiency, consistency, and user-friendliness.
Downloading these patterns from libraries on the Internet and using them as inspiration or as foundational elements, is standard practice in professional mobile app design:
Pttrns
- One of the largest pattern libraries
- Allows users to browse templates by feature using a navigation tab
- Entries are sorted by timeline to show how interface trends evolve
- Includes paid templates for Android, iOS, and iPad
Lovely UI
- Offers a collection of UI elements, including badges, buttons, and profile designs for both Android and iOS
- Features a tab for tracking current interface trends
Little Big Details
- Serves as an inspiration library with a wide range of UI design patterns
- Users can re-post or share favorites, with entries organized by tags
If you are developing or bankrolling an app, you need to know about the most common and most used mobile app design patterns. This article is designed to help you do just that.
Most Common Mobile Application Design Patterns
Here are the different mobile application design patterns based on the different functions they serve:
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Navigation Patterns
Good navigation, like good design, is invisible. Apps with good navigation just feel simple and make it easy to accomplish any task. Following the common design patterns for navigation ensures that people can find and use the valuable features in your application.
Navigation patterns appeal to users’ pre-conceived notions about how content is placed throughout the app. They help users move through the app efficiently
Key navigation patterns include:
Tab Bar
- Displays key sections at the bottom of the screen for easy access to major app areas
Navigation Drawer
- Slides out from the side, offering a list of app sections without cluttering the interface
Bottom Navigation
- Similar to a tab bar but allows for more options than tab bars
- It is suitable for multiple major destinations
Hamburger Menu
- A compact icon that opens a full menu
- Ideal for apps with many navigation options
Gesture-Based Navigation
- Users get to swipe app screens in various directions to navigate
- They provide immersive app navigation experiences
Sidebar Navigation
- Displays categories or sections on the side
- It allows quick access to different app areas
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Action Patterns
Action patterns facilitate user interactions within the app. They help users perform tasks quickly and intuitively. Clear action patterns guide users on what to do next, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.
Key action patterns include:
Floating Action Button (FAB)
- A prominent button for quick access to primary actions
- It encourages users to take immediate actions like adding content
Edit Button
- Allows users to modify existing content directly within the app
- It provides flexibility and control over user-generated content
Delete Button
- Enables users to remove content easily
- Often includes confirmation prompts to prevent accidental deletions
Upload/Download Buttons
- Facilitate file uploads or downloads within the app
- They enhance functionality and user convenience
Share Button
- Allows users to share content via social media or messaging apps
- It encourages user interaction and content distribution
Like/Dislike Buttons
- Enable users to express their opinions quickly on content
- They foster engagement and feedback mechanisms
Save Button
- Lets users save changes or bookmark items for later access
- It enhances user experience by providing easy retrieval options
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Form Patterns
Form patterns guide user input and data collection. They simplify the process of entering information into the app. Good form patterns reduce errors and improve data accuracy.
Key form patterns include:
Text Fields
- Allow users to enter text data easily with clear labels
- Often include placeholder text for guidance
Checkboxes
- Enable users to select multiple options quickly and clearly
- They provide a straightforward way to make selections
Radio Buttons
- Let users choose one option from a set of choices
- They ensure clarity in selection with clear visual cues
Dropdown Forms
- Hide and show lists of options, saving screen space while providing choices
- Ideal for situations with limited space or many options
Date Pickers
- Allow users to select dates easily through an interactive calendar interface
- They streamline data entry and minimize errors
File Upload Fields
- Enable users to attach files or images directly within forms
- They enhance functionality by allowing easy file submissions
Password Fields
- Securely collect sensitive information while providing visual feedback on strength
- They help ensure user privacy and security during data entry
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Table Patterns
Table patterns organize and present data effectively. They help users digest large amounts of information quickly. Good table patterns enhance usability and clarity
Key table patterns include:
List View
- Displays items in a vertical list format for easy scrolling and selection
- Ideal for displaying a large number of items clearly
Grid View
- Shows items in a grid layout, perfect for visual content like images or products
- It allows for quick comparisons between items
Data Table
- Presents structured data with sortable columns for enhanced usability
- Users can easily find specific information by sorting
Card Layouts
- Uses cards to display individual items with images and descriptions
- Cards provide a visually appealing way to browse content
Pagination Controls
- Breaks large datasets into manageable pages for easier navigation
- Users can navigate through pages without feeling overwhelmed
Infinite Scroll
- Automatically loads more content as users scroll down
- Keeps users engaged without requiring manual input
Accordion Tables
- Expands and collapses sections to reveal more details without cluttering the interface
- It helps manage space while providing necessary information
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Search, Sort, and Filter Patterns
These patterns help users find specific content quickly. They enhance the overall usability of the app. Good search, sort, and filter patterns reduce frustration.
Key search, sort, and filter patterns include:
Search Bar
- Allows users to enter keywords to locate content efficiently
- Provides instant feedback with search suggestions
Sort Options
- Enables users to arrange content based on criteria like date or popularity
- Helps prioritize relevant information based on user preferences
Filter Controls
- Let users narrow down search results based on specific attributes
- Users can refine their searches easily without overwhelming options
Auto-Suggest Dropdowns
- Provides suggestions as users type in the search bar
- Improves search efficiency by anticipating user needs
Advanced Search Options
- Offers additional filters for more precise searches
- Users can customize their search parameters effectively
Tag Filters
- Allows users to click on tags associated with content
- Quickly finds similar items based on shared characteristics
Recent Searches List
- Displays previous searches for quick access
- Helps users revisit frequently looked-up items easily
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Tool Patterns
Tool patterns provide specific functionalities for user tasks. They enhance the overall effectiveness of the app
Key tool patterns include:
Calendar Picker
- Allows users to select dates easily within forms or scheduling features
- Streamlines date entry processes
Slider Control
- Enables users to adjust values by sliding a handle along a track
- Commonly used for volume or brightness settings
Calculator Interface
- Provides basic arithmetic functions within apps that require calculations
- Useful in finance or budgeting applications
Media Player Controls
- Offers play/pause buttons and volume sliders for audio/video playback
- Enhances user experience during media consumption
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Chart Patterns
Chart patterns visualize data effectively for user comprehension. They help convey complex information clearly.
Key chart patterns include:
Bar Chart
- Displays categorical data with rectangular bars representing values side by side
- Useful for comparing different categories at a glance
Line Graph
- Shows trends over time by connecting data points with lines
- Effective for tracking changes across periods
Pie Chart
- Represents proportions of a whole using slices of a circle
- Ideal for showing percentage breakdowns visually
Scatter Plot
- Visualizes relationships between two variables using dots on a grid
- Useful for identifying correlations among data points
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Feedback and Affordance Patterns
These patterns communicate system status and user actions effectively. They enhance user understanding of app responses
Key feedback and affordance patterns include:
Toast Messages
- Brief notifications that inform users of actions taken or errors encountered
- They provide unobtrusive feedback without interrupting the workflow
Loading Indicators (Spinners)
- Visual cues that show progress during tasks like data loading
- Keep users informed about ongoing operations
Confirmation Dialogs
- Prompt users to confirm actions before proceeding
- Enhance decision-making processes by preventing mistakes
Progress Bars
- Visually indicate how much of a task is completed
- Manage user expectations during lengthy processes
Error Messages/Alerts
- Clearly communicate issues that need user attention
- Often provide suggestions for resolution, aiding troubleshooting
Conclusion
Understanding these common mobile app UI/UX design patterns is crucial for businesses and aspiring designers. These patterns provide proven solutions to common design challenges. They enhance usability and create intuitive experiences. Familiarity with design patterns also fosters innovation.
Designers can adapt existing patterns to create unique solutions tailored to specific user needs. This adaptability can differentiate an app in a competitive market. That’s why, every leading mobile app UI/UX design agency leverages these patterns in their day-to-day work.
For businesses looking to develop successful apps, working with agencies that specialize in these patterns is vital. It helps them craft apps that meet the most basic user expectations.
