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Dictionary entry

hover intent

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UI / UXCurated · verified

A technique that waits a fraction of a second and checks that the pointer is deliberately settling on an item before triggering a hover menu, so menus don't flicker open as the cursor merely passes over.

Synonyms

  • intent detection

Related terms

In plain words

  • it waits to make sure you meant to hover before opening the menu
  • stops menus flashing when your mouse just passes over

Usage example

The nav uses hover intent, so submenus only open when you pause on a top-level item.

Don't confuse with…

  • hoverHover is simply pointing at an element; hover intent adds a short delay and movement check so accidental pass-overs don't trigger anything.

Categories

  • Interaction patterns

Related-term graph

Two hops from hover intent — click a term to open its entry, or re-center the graph on it

Focus term

Directly related

Two hops away

  • Relatedhover intent related of debounce
  • Relatedhover intent related of dropdown menu
  • Relatedhover intent related of tooltip
  • Relateddebounce related of autocomplete
  • Relatedtooltip related of coach mark
  • Relateddropdown menu related of context menu
  • Synonymdropdown menu synonym of dropdown
  • Relateddropdown menu related of flyout menu
  • Relatedtooltip related of helper text
  • Relateddropdown menu related of mega menu
  • Relateddropdown menu related of navigation bar
  • Relatedtooltip related of popover

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