What is Swipe Gestures?

Swipe Gestures are touch-based navigation where users swipe in a direction to perform an action: swipe left to delete, swipe right to archive, swipe up for more info. Common in mobile apps for quick actions without tapping buttons. Feels fast and natural when discoverable, confusing when hidden.

When Should You Use This?

Use swipe gestures for common, repeated actions in mobile apps: delete/archive emails, navigate between items (photos, stories, cards), reveal actions (swipe to see options). Always make gestures discoverable with hints, animations, or onboarding. Provide button alternatives for users who don't discover gestures. Use native gesture libraries (iOS UISwipeGestureRecognizer, Android swipe-to-dismiss) or web libraries (react-swipeable, Hammer.js).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •No discoverability—users don't know gestures exist; show hints or onboarding
• •Conflicting gestures—swipe left for delete vs. navigate creates confusion
• •Not providing alternatives—some users can't or won't use gestures; offer buttons
• •Too sensitive—accidental swipes are frustrating; require meaningful distance/velocity
• •Overusing them—too many gesture-only features makes app feel like a puzzle

Real-World Examples

• •Gmail—swipe left to archive, swipe right for options
• •Tinder—swipe left to pass, swipe right to like (iconic)
• •iOS Mail—swipe to delete, mark as read, archive
• •Instagram Stories—swipe left/right between stories, swipe down to close