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Infinite scrolling within Native mobile apps.

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From: Murphy, Sean
Date: Jan 29, 2021 8:07PM

All,

I have started some research on Infinite scrolling for native mobile apps and seeking for incites on how users on these platforms from your experience handle such patterns.

Note, not web pages or apps which are using web technology.


The three patterns I have researched are:

1. Using full pagination which are found on some search engine's. In the mobile world this could be a control at the bottom which permits you to scroll forward and backward between the pages. The control informs the user how many pages there are. Apple news is an example. Web normally use next, prior and page number links/buttons.
2. Scrolling with a "load more information" button. Haven't seen this on Mobile, but have seen in the web.
3. The content always loads. In the mobile world, the screen reader user can use explore by touch to find the tab bar (list) at the end of the screen to change the view. Facebook, Apple News, ETC use this approach. Thus if the user continually uses the left swipe they will keep loading new content once they have reached to the end of the current content.

I am very interested in the 3rd method for mobile native apps. Option 2 is better for web. As this query is more focusing on the native experience. I like to get peoples view on their UX testing with such patterns and how they have found the testers handling Infinite scrolling without any controls to stop the loading.

Can pure Keyboard (not using a screen reader) users jump to the tab bar (tab list) via mobile keyboard commands?

As being a screen reader user myself, using explore by touch I don't find that challenging. I do believe there are some users out there who might. But I need to understand if this theory is correct. Also if there is any other methods of helping:

* Keyboard users on mobile
* Screen reader users
* Low vision
* Cognitive
* Braille display users - not sure if Braille supports explore by touch.

Regards
Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy | Senior Digital System specialist (Accessibility)
Telstra Digital Channels | Digital Systems
Mobile: 0405 129 739 | Desk: (02) 9866-7917
Digital Systems Launch Page<https://confluence.in.telstra.com.au/display/DCSYS/Digital+Systems+-+Able+Home>
Accessibility Single source of Truth<https://confluence.in.telstra.com.au/display/DCSYS/Accessibility+Resources>