zero·style

Dictionary entry

momentum scrolling

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A scrolling effect where content keeps gliding for a moment after you lift your finger or flick, gradually slowing to a stop as if it had real weight and friction. It is common on touchscreens and trackpads.

Synonyms

  • inertial scrolling
  • kinetic scrolling

Related terms

In plain words

  • when the list keeps sliding after you flick it
  • the way a page coasts to a stop on your phone

Usage example

A quick flick triggers momentum scrolling, so the feed drifts a little before settling.

Don't confuse with…

  • overscrollMomentum scrolling is the coasting motion itself; overscroll is what happens when that motion hits the end of the content and bounces.

Categories

  • Interaction patterns

Related-term graph

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

Directly related

Two hops away

  • Relatedmomentum scrolling related of scroll snapping
  • Relatedmomentum scrolling related of swipe
  • Relatedscroll snapping related of carousel
  • Relatedswipe related of carousel
  • Relatedswipe related of drag and drop
  • Relatedscroll snapping related of infinite scroll

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