Signing in to a service

Gesture authentication

A hand tracing an unlock pattern on the lockscreen of a mobile device.

Description

A user completes a physical gesture or pattern to request access to data. The users actions are checked and access is granted if they complete the gesture correctly. For example, for a user to unlock their phone the have to draw a shape on a grid.

Advantages

  • For some users gestures are easier to remember than numbers

Limitations

  • Users can make predictable choices when using graphical passwords
  • It’s not accessible for some users who have visual impairments or mobility issues

Examples

Related patterns