State preservation

State preservation helps users return to their exact location and context when navigating through apps. This pattern creates continuity and efficiency in the app experience.

Navigation maintains context across views

• Active selections remain highlighted
• Scroll positions stay unchanged
• Content filters remain active
• Form data persists
• Search terms continue showing
• Previously expanded sections stay open

When users switch between apps or return to a previous view, they expect to find everything exactly as they left it — from selected items to entered data. This behavior supports natural app exploration without fear of losing work or place.^[1]

Spotify keeps your place in the app by remembering what song is playing and where you were in your playlist, making it easy to resume listening.