What are the most effective mobile user interface design patterns?

1 Navigation patterns

Navigation patterns are the ways users move between different screens or sections of your app. To ensure a smooth user experience, they should be clear, simple, and accessible, allowing users to find what they are looking for quickly and easily. Some of the most common navigation patterns for mobile apps are tab bars, hamburger menus, and swipes. Tab bars are typically a row of icons or labels at the bottom or top of the screen that enables users to switch between the main features or categories of your app; Instagram is an example of this. Hamburger menus present a button with three horizontal lines at the top left or right corner of the screen that opens a sliding or overlay menu with more options or settings; Gmail is an example of this. Lastly, swipes are gestures that let users move horizontally or vertically across the screen to reveal more content or options; Tinder is an example of this.

2 Input patterns

Input patterns should be easy, convenient, and accurate, minimizing user effort and error. Forms are a popular input pattern for mobile apps, allowing users to fill in or choose data or information. For instance, Uber uses a form to let users enter their pickup and drop-off locations, payment method, and ride preferences. Search fields or buttons are also commonly used to let users type or speak a query or keyword to find relevant content. YouTube is an example of this, letting users search for videos, channels, or playlists. Pickers are another input pattern that lets users select a value or option from a predefined list or range - Airbnb uses a picker to let users choose their check-in and check-out dates, number of guests, and filters.

3 Feedback patterns

Feedback patterns are essential for your app to communicate with users and provide them with information or confirmation about their actions or status. They should be timely, informative, and engaging, enhancing user satisfaction and trust. Toast, progress indicators, and animation are some of the most common feedback patterns for mobile apps. Toast is a small message that pops up at the bottom or top of the screen for a few seconds and then disappears. It usually informs users about the result of an action or a system event. A progress indicator is a visual cue that shows users how long an action or process will take or how much of it is completed. Animation adds life and personality to your app and guides users through transitions or interactions. For example, WhatsApp uses a toast to show users when their messages are sent, delivered, or read; Netflix uses a progress indicator to show users how much of a video is buffered or downloaded; and Snapchat uses animation to show users how to use filters, stickers, or lenses.