Making swipe gestures inclusive

Swipe gestures are often designed to follow a left-to-right or right-to-left motion. But if a gesture only works from one edge, like swiping from the left to open a menu, it may feel awkward or even unreachable for left-handed users holding a phone in their left hand. This friction adds up when gestures are tied to essential actions like navigation or content discovery.

To make gestures more accessible, avoid relying on single-direction swipes for key features. If an action is tied to an edge, ensure it can be triggered from either side or provide an alternate way to access it. This approach supports both hand preferences and improves usability for people with limited mobility or range of motion.

A few more considerations:

• Check edge-based gestures: Test actions like opening menus or dismissing screens—do they work for both swipe directions?
• Provide tap alternatives: Ensure all gestures have a visible, touchable equivalent on screen.