Design Principle
Reversible actions let users explore with fewer confirmation interruptions.
Principle
Reversible actions let users explore with fewer confirmation interruptions.
Design action
Prefer undo for editing, sorting, bulk updates, and deletion; state object, action, and recovery path in toast or history.
Examples
Positive example: Creative tools, CMS, project management, and bulk list operations frequently change data. Counterexample: Every low-risk action opens a confirmation dialog.
Apply when
Creative tools, CMS, project management, and bulk list operations frequently change data. Users need to judge state, scope, risk, or next action quickly.
Source notes
Source note: Synthesized from Apple HIG, Material Design, GOV.UK/Polaris/Atlassian component practices, and interaction accessibility principles. Apple HIG Motion: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/motion Material Design Motion: https://m3.material.io/styles/motion/overview/how-it-works GOV.UK Design System Patterns: https://design-system.service.gov.uk/patterns/ Shopify Polaris Patterns: https://polaris-react.shopify.com/patterns Atlassian Empty State: https://atlassian.design/components/empty-state
Agent Directive
Prefer undo for editing, sorting, bulk updates, and deletion; state object, action, and recovery path in toast or history.