Action reversibility

Every significant action should have a clear path back. Whether deleting a message, sending an email, or modifying a document, users should trust they can reverse course. This principle extends beyond simple undo to encompass a broader philosophy of user control.

Look for patterns that prevent accidental actions. As shown in the Messages app example, deleted conversations remain recoverable for 30 days before permanent deletion, giving users a generous window to restore important chats.

Think about how important and how often users perform each action. Critical actions like deleting files need clear ways to recover, while common actions shouldn't ask for confirmation too much. Make it easy to fix mistakes without disrupting the experience.^[1]