Reverse navigation
Reverse navigation is moving backwards between screens, either chronologically, returning to what was seen before, or hierarchically, going up a level in the app’s structure
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
Chronological navigation follows recent history, even across different apps, and is usually triggered by the system back button or gesture. Hierarchical navigation leads to the parent screen within the same app, normally through an arrow in the top app bar.
The exact behaviour depends on each platform’s conventions: Android has a system back gesture, while iOS relies mainly on the back button in the navigation bar and swiping from the edge. Following those conventions prevents people from getting lost or losing data when going back.
Also known as
Back navigation, Up navigation