Key insights
- Screens keep getting taller while thumbs stay the same length, turning the top of the display into a dead zone for one-handed use.
- Anchor menus and actions to the bottom of the screen, where the thumb naturally rests, instead of the top-right corner most navs default to.
- Unlike a full modal that blocks everything, a bottom sheet keeps the underlying page visible so users never lose their place.
- Add snap points so the sheet can rest half-open or expand to full height, matching how much content the user actually needs.
- Support drag-to-dismiss — a downward gesture maps to the sheet's direction and needs no tiny close target to hit.
- Dim the background with a scrim and lock body scroll so only the sheet moves, keeping focus on the active task.
Do / Don't
- Do: Place primary actions within thumb reach at the bottom of the screen
- Do: Keep the page visible behind the sheet to preserve context
- Do: Offer snap points and drag-to-dismiss for flexible, gesture-friendly height
- Don't: Bury frequent menus in the top-right dead zone on tall phones
- Don't: Block the whole screen with a full modal when a sheet would do
- Don't: Leave the background scrollable while the sheet is open
