Switching View

Design the view-switching pattern for an app that can show the same content in multiple layouts or levels of detail. The user should be able to move between views without losing their place or wondering what changed. Treat the switch as a core interaction, not a decorative animation.

Show the control that changes the view, the active state, and the available alternatives. The pattern should make the current view obvious, keep the nearest shared context visible, and preserve selection, scroll position, or focus where possible. If the destination view changes the information density, make that shift legible in the layout itself.

Design the transition between views so it helps orientation. Use motion only where it clarifies what moved, what stayed, and what the user should look at next. Cover at least one fast switch, one slower content-heavy switch, and one failure case where the new view cannot load or has no content.

For an added touch, synchronize your transition animation with the user's interaction speed, making it feel responsive and organic. This kind of detail elevates the user experience.