Choosing Between On-Page Expansion, Modals, and New Screens in Mobile App Design

One of the key decisions in app design and development is how to present additional information or actions. There are three ways to do this.

1. Content expansion
2. Modal window
3. A new screen

TLDR

Each methods has its advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on the complexity of the task, user expectations, and usability principles.

Introduction

Let’s break down these approaches, their ideal use cases, and examples from real-world apps.

1. On-Page Content Expansion (Collapsible/Accordion)

On-page content expansion involves revealing additional information within the current screen, without navigating away. This method helps maintain context while reducing clutter. It usually blends well with the content of the screen.

Best Use Cases:

• FAQs or expandable help sections – Users can tap to reveal answers without leaving the main page.
• Product descriptions in e-commerce – Brief information is shown initially, with a “Read More” option to expand.
• Form sections with optional fields – Collapsible can be used to hide advanced settings until needed.

Real-World Examples:

• Amazon: On the sidebar, you can expand to reveal the contents of different categories like Brands, Price range, Condition etc.
• Google Search: When searching for a term, users see expandable “People Also Ask” sections that reveal more information dynamically.

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Pros & Cons:

✅ Maintains user context without disrupting the flow.
✅ Reduces navigation friction for quick interactions.
❌ Can become overwhelming if too many sections are collapsible.
❌ May not be suitable for very detailed content.

2. Modal Windows (Pop-ups and Overlays)

A modal window is a temporary overlay that appears on top of the main screen, requiring user interaction before continuing. Modals are best for quick actions and confirmations.

Best Use Cases:

• Confirmation dialogs – Asking users to confirm before deleting an item.
• Login prompts – Displaying a login/signup modal without redirecting the user.
• Short forms or input fields – Entering a rating, adding a comment, or selecting filters in a search.

Real-World Examples:

• Instagram: When a user wants to share a post, a modal pops up with sharing options.
• Google Drive: When deleting a file, a modal asks for confirmation before proceeding.
• iOS Action Sheets: Instead of traditional modals, iOS often uses action sheets to let users choose an option without taking over the full screen.

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Pros & Cons:

✅ Keeps users on the same screen, reducing unnecessary navigation.
✅ Works well for quick actions.
❌ Overuse can frustrate users (e.g., too many pop-ups).
❌ Limited space on mobile screens can make modals feel cramped.

3. Navigating to a New Screen

Navigating to a new screen means taking the user to a separate page to display more detailed information or complete a task.

Best Use Cases:

• Multi-step processes – Checkout flows, onboarding tutorials, or filling out forms.
• Content that requires full attention – Reading an article, watching a video, or filling out an extensive form.
• Complex settings or preferences – Users adjusting profile settings or account details.

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Pros & Cons:

✅ Provides ample space for detailed content and user interactions.
✅ Reduces cognitive load by keeping each screen focused on one task.
❌ Requires users to navigate back if they want to return.
❌ Too many screens can make an app feel overly complex.

Mobile vs Web

It's more likely to use navigation on mobile devices over web pages for few reasons

• Screen sizes, the limited size of mobile devices means there are less things you can cram in there
• Navigation in mobile devices is more seamless, because it does not usually require loading a web page
• It is easier to pass states and data across multiple screens over web pages

How to Choose the Right Approach?

1. Consider Task Complexity:
   • Simple interactions? → Use an on-page expansion or modal.
   • Detailed content or multi-step tasks? → Navigate to a new screen.

2. Think About User Flow:
   • Does the user need to reference the main screen? → Keep it on-page or use a modal.
   • Does the user need a distraction-free experience? → Navigate to a new screen.

Prioritize Usability and Accessibility:

• Ensure modals are easy to dismiss (swipe down, tap outside).
• Keep modal content short—don’t overload users with too much information.
• Avoid unnecessary navigation if the user can accomplish a task within the same screen.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in UI/UX design. The best choice depends on user needs, app functionality, and screen space.
• Use on-page expansions for quick reveals that don’t disrupt user flow.
• Use modals for confirmations, small inputs, or temporary/secondary interactions.
• Use new screens for deep engagement, multi-step processes, or when more space is needed.

By carefully selecting the right method, designers can create a more intuitive and seamless user experience, improving engagement and usability in mobile apps.