Device Gesture

The Device Gesture pattern describes how a user holds their device in relationship to something else in their environment. For example pointing the camera at an object to take a photo. Users can position their devices to achieve a particular action. Basic device gestures are described below.

Behavior & Usage

The following are common behaviors and usage guidelines for certain device orientation gestures. These may not all be supported in all frameworks.

Rotate Device

The user holds the device in a particular orientation. This usually involves switching between landscape and portrait orientations. This is a very common device gesture. 

Usage

Position Device

The user positions the device a certain way in relation to something in the environment. It is similar to rotating a device for orientation, but usually involves pointing a part of the device at a particular object. 

Usage

Shake Device

The user shakes the device. 

Usage

Bump Device

The user touches or bumps their devices to share information. Similar to pointing a device at another object or device, using Near Field Communications to share information. 

Usage

Move Device

This is general purpose gesture(s) allowing the user to move their device to support an action. 

Usage

Related

Fig 1. Rotate Device

 

Position

Fig 2. Position Device

 

Shake

Fig 3. Shake Device

 

Bump

Fig 4. Bump Device

 

Move

Fig 5. Move Device