Key Mobile App Navigation Patterns for Design Teams
Getting the navigation right is a critical and very difficult aspect of mobile app design. Thankfully, there are many pre-existing patterns and structures that designers can follow to get this important step right.
Mobile app navigation patterns help users find what they need quickly and efficiently when they are browsing through mobile apps. These patterns are based on years of design work and various proven best practices. They provide a base for developing scalable, readable, and maintainable navigation structures for mobile apps.
This article talks about the most important types of mobile app navigation patterns that your design team should follow. First, let us briefly review the different categories of app navigation that designers commonly use and users are probably familiar with.
The categories described here are broadly determined by function:
Global navigation appears on every main screen of the app. It typically consists of menus, tabs, or sidebars that allow users to access core features. On mobile apps, global navigation usually takes two forms:
This bar remains at the bottom of the screen as users navigate between different sections
It may include horizontal scrolling for additional item
Represented by the three horizontal lines icon
Tapping this icon opens a panel with navigation options
Utility navigation provides links to essential tools and features that support user needs but are not content-specific. Common utility links include sign-in options, help sections, and account settings. These links are often located in the upper-right corner of the app, where users expect to find personal account information, such as their avatar or profile icon.Â
Associative and Inline Navigation
Associative navigation connects related content within the app. This type includes links that appear near relevant content, helping users discover additional information. A common example is a âRelated Articlesâ section that displays articles on similar topics or by the same author.
Social navigation incorporates social media elements to enhance user engagement. This can include features like news feeds showing activity from friends or trending content modules that highlight popular posts within the network. These components provide users with additional pathways to explore relevant content shared by their social connections.
Types of Patterns Used in Mobile App Navigation Design
Now that we know the different categories of navigation in app design (based on their functions), let us find out the different types of navigation patterns that fall under those categories. Weâll also learn when and how to use them in app design.
Clear entry points present a limited number of main pathways into the appâs interface. This is a form of global navigation pattern that appears on the main screens of many apps.Â
This navigation design pattern helps users, especially first-time or infrequent users, know where to start. By focusing on task-oriented options and using clear calls to action, you can guide users effectively.Â
Implement clear entry points when designing for a significant number of first-time users. These users benefit from straightforward instructions or initial tasks. If the purpose of the app is evident to most users, this approach enhances their experience.
However, if your audience consists primarily of experienced users, this navigation design choice may not be ideal
Why This Navigation Pattern Matters
Many apps overwhelm users with excessive information and complex structures. Clear entry points provide immediate guidance, allowing users to choose confidently and begin their tasks. This clarity contributes to user satisfaction and makes the app more self-explanatory
The Spotify appâs main landing page is designed for new users
It features a clear call to action at the center of the screen, directing users to sign up or log in
This prominent entry point simplifies the onboarding process and encourages immediate engagement
The Springboard, also known as a Launchpad, serves as a landing screen featuring multiple options that act as entry points into the application. It typically displays up to nine options in a grid format, allowing for easy access across platforms. It is a form of global navigation pattern
Use the Springboard pattern when your app requires quick access to various features without overwhelming the user. It suits apps that benefit from a clear overview of available options
Why This App Navigation Pattern Matters
The Springboard pattern provides consistency and clarity, allowing users to easily navigate between features. It enhances user engagement by presenting multiple pathways into the app.
Learn-Vest uses a basic springboard navigation layout to simplify its financial management feature set
Vimeo features a 9-grid springboard navigation layout that helps users explore video content categories efficiently
The Card navigation pattern uses a card deck metaphor, displaying information-rich cards that users can interact with through gestures like swiping. Cards serve as launch points into deeper content or actions. It is a form of global navigation pattern.
Use Cards when you want to present information in an engaging way that encourages interaction. This pattern is ideal for apps requiring quick actions or browsing through content
Why This App Navigation Pattern Matters
Cards provide an elegant way to display content while allowing users to engage actively. They enhance the browsing experience by making navigation intuitive and enjoyable
Google Now stacks information-rich cards vertically for quick access
The List Menu pattern presents items as launch points into different application modules. Users navigate by making selections from a list. List menus are both global and utility navigation patterns.
Use the List Menu when your app has a hierarchical structure where users need to make sequential choices. This pattern works well for apps with many categories or settings.
Why This App Navigation Pattern Matters
The List Menu provides clarity and organization, allowing users to navigate through complex structures easily. It helps users understand their current position within the appâs hierarchy.
Kayak uses a list menu for travel options and bookings
The Dashboard Pattern gives users an overview of key metrics and information without requiring them to navigate away from the main screen. It consolidates essential data into one accessible view. Dashboards can be used both as associative/inline navigation tools and as social navigation tools within apps.
Use the Dashboard when you want users to have quick access to important information at a glance. This pattern is suitable for apps that track performance or provide updates.
Why This App Navigation Pattern Matters
Dashboards enhance user efficiency by displaying relevant data in one place. They reduce the need for users to engage in excessive manual navigation. This navigation pattern also empowers users by providing instant insights into their activities.Â
Mint displays financial metrics on its Dashboard for easy tracking
The Fitbit app shows health statistics at a glance on its main screen
Trello provides an overview of project status directly from its side dashboard
It is a form of utility and inline navigation pattern. The Side Drawer pattern provides access to additional navigation options. These options stay hidden off-screen until they are triggered by user interaction (typically through a menu icon)
Use the Side Drawer when you have numerous navigation items that may clutter the main interface if displayed simultaneously. It is suitable for apps with complex structures requiring more space-efficient navigation.
Why This App Navigation Pattern Matters
Side Drawers help maintain a clean interface while still providing access to various features. They allow users to explore additional options without overwhelming them at first glance.
The X app uses side tabs for navigating the main views
The Facebook (Android) app uses a Side Drawer for presenting additional menu options.
The Gallery pattern organizes live content into visually appealing formats such as grids, carousels, or slideshows. It allows users to browse through items easily without implying a strict hierarchy. It falls under the global navigation pattern category.
Use the Gallery when showcasing visual content like photos, news articles, or recipes where frequent updates are expected. This pattern works best for highly visual apps.Â
Why This App Navigation Pattern Matters
Galleries create an engaging browsing experience by allowing users to explore content visually. They enhance discoverability by presenting items in an attractive layout.
Recipeas displays recipes in a gallery format for easy access
Square Wallet uses a gallery layout to share promotions and offers
A modal panel is a screen that appears on top of the current interface, restricting navigation options to only acknowledging its message, completing a form, or dismissing the panel. It is a utility navigation pattern.Â
Modals are typically triggered by user actions, such as selecting an item or performing a specific task. They often appear as a âlightbox,â dimming the background and focusing user attention on the modal content.
Use modals when a user needs to provide input before proceeding, such as entering a filename during a save action. Use them when important messages require acknowledgment before continuing.
Modal panels are ideal for focusing users on a single action or process. They help maintain context while users complete a quick subtask without losing track of their main workflow.Â
Modal panels eliminate distractions by cutting off other navigation options, forcing users to address the task at hand. While this can be disruptive if users are unprepared, it effectively channels their attention to necessary decisions. When used appropriately, modals enhance focus and streamline user interactions
The Airbnb app employs modal panels to prompt users to log in directly over its landing page
Users have three options: sign in, register, or dismiss the modal by clicking the âXâ button
This approach ensures that users address their login status before accessing other features
Understanding these different mobile app navigation patterns is crucial for creating user-friendly applications. Knowledge of these patterns will also help you in your pursuit of mobile app UX design services. Let your future designers know what types of navigation patterns and strategies you want to implement in your app. Together, use these patterns to minimize user frustration, enhance usability, and foster engagement for your app!