How can you design a mobile application with an easy-to-navigate swipeable tabs user interface?

1 Choose the right number of tabs

One of the first decisions you need to make when designing a swipeable tabs user interface is how many tabs to include. The optimal number of tabs depends on the context and the content of your application, but generally, you should aim for between three and five tabs. Too few tabs can make your application look sparse and limited, while too many tabs can make it cluttered and confusing. You should also avoid using more than one row of tabs, as this can reduce the visibility and accessibility of the tabs.

2 Label the tabs clearly and concisely

Another important aspect of designing a swipeable tabs user interface is how to label the tabs. The labels should be clear and concise, describing the content and purpose of each tab. You should use words or icons that are familiar and meaningful to your target audience, and avoid using abbreviations or acronyms that may cause confusion. You should also ensure that the labels are consistent in style and tone, and that they fit within the available space. If you use icons, you should provide a text alternative or a tooltip for accessibility and clarity.

3 Indicate the active and inactive tabs

A swipeable tabs user interface should also indicate which tab is currently active and which tabs are inactive. This helps users to understand where they are in the application and how to navigate to other tabs. There are different ways to indicate the active and inactive tabs, such as using color, contrast, size, shape, or animation. For example, you can use a brighter or darker color for the active tab, or a larger or smaller font size. You can also use a visual indicator, such as a line, a dot, or a highlight, to mark the active tab.

4 Enable smooth and responsive swiping

The main feature of a swipeable tabs user interface is the ability to swipe left or right to switch between tabs. This gesture should be smooth and responsive, providing a satisfying and intuitive user experience. You should ensure that the swiping is fast and fluid, without any lag or delay. You should also provide feedback to the user, such as a subtle animation or a sound, to confirm the tab change. You can also use a transition effect, such as a fade, a slide, or a zoom, to create a sense of continuity and connection between the tabs.

5 Test and iterate your design

The final step of designing a swipeable tabs user interface is to test and iterate your design. You should test your design with real users, using different devices and scenarios, to evaluate its usability and effectiveness. You should observe how users interact with the tabs, how they swipe, and how they understand the labels and the indicators. You should also ask for feedback and suggestions, and measure the user satisfaction and engagement. Based on the test results, you should iterate your design, making improvements and refinements until you achieve your desired goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?