When I build software, I try to make the app remember things. So the user doesn’t have to do the same stuff over and over. Most apps reset everything on refresh or when you come back later. That gets annoying fast. Here’s what I mean: You click the same tab again
You re-select your filter or sort
You retype the same input or prompt
You toggle dark mode every single time
You expand the same panel again and again You click the same tab again You re-select your filter or sort You retype the same input or prompt You toggle dark mode every single time You expand the same panel again and again It’s small stuff, but it adds up. And it makes your app feel worse. Use localStorage to remember things localStorage I now save small bits of state in localStorage. Just enough so the app feels more stable and consistent. localStorage Here’s what I usually save: Last open tab
Dark or light mode
Draft input or prompt
Filters or sort settings
Collapsed/expanded sidebar
Dismissed modals or popups (usually the ones that require immediate action)
Recently used colors
Preview mode (mobile/desktop)
Selected language Last open tab Dark or light mode Draft input or prompt Filters or sort settings Collapsed/expanded sidebar Dismissed modals or popups (usually the ones that require immediate action) Recently used colors Preview mode (mobile/desktop) Selected language Nothing too deep or serious, just the things that help someone continue where they left off. Example: Save and Load Dark Mode Here’s a basic example using localStorage to save the dark mode setting: // Save mode
localStorage.setItem('theme', 'dark'); 

// Load mode
const savedTheme = localStorage.getItem('theme'); 
if (savedTheme === 'dark') {
    document.body.classList.add('dark');
} // Save mode
localStorage.setItem('theme', 'dark'); 

// Load mode
const savedTheme = localStorage.getItem('theme'); 
if (savedTheme === 'dark') {
    document.body.classList.add('dark');
} Or in React: useEffect(() => {
    const saved = localStorage.getItem('theme');
    if (saved) {
        setTheme(saved);
        // assume setTheme updates UI
    }
}, []);

const toggleTheme = () => {
    const newTheme = theme === 'dark' ? 'light' : 'dark';
    setTheme(newTheme);
    localStorage.setItem('theme', newTheme);
}; useEffect(() => {
    const saved = localStorage.getItem('theme');
    if (saved) {
        setTheme(saved);
        // assume setTheme updates UI
    }
}, []);

const toggleTheme = () => {
    const newTheme = theme === 'dark' ? 'light' : 'dark';
    setTheme(newTheme);
    localStorage.setItem('theme', newTheme);
}; Quick Tips Only store things that make the app easier to use
Don’t save sensitive info (like auth tokens or personal data)
Give users a way to reset preferences if needed
Use a small wrapper or custom hook if you’re using this a lot Only store things that make the app easier to use Don’t save sensitive info (like auth tokens or personal data) Give users a way to reset preferences if needed Use a small wrapper or custom hook if you’re using this a lot That’s It This isn’t a big feature. But it makes your app feel smoother. People don’t notice it when it works — they just stop getting annoyed. If you’re building something people will use more than once, this matters. What else are you saving with localStorage that improves UX? Drop your own patterns below. I’m always curious what others are doing.

How I Created a Voice AI Tutor with GPT-4 to Accelerate My Learning

The Tiny UX Tweak That Makes a Big Difference

About Author

Comments

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN

Related Stories

How I Created a Voice AI Tutor with GPT-4 to Accelerate My Learning

3 Examples Of Design Applications With Great UX

4 UI Design Principles to Follow to Deliver The Best User Experience

A Guide to UI Best Practice: Designing Effective Buttons For Action

Designing a Dashboard? - Don't Make These 6 Common Mistakes

Essential Guide to User Onboarding UI Patterns

How I Created a Voice AI Tutor with GPT-4 to Accelerate My Learning

3 Examples Of Design Applications With Great UX

4 UI Design Principles to Follow to Deliver The Best User Experience

A Guide to UI Best Practice: Designing Effective Buttons For Action

Designing a Dashboard? - Don't Make These 6 Common Mistakes

Essential Guide to User Onboarding UI Patterns

Light-Mode

Classic

Newspaper

Minty

Dark-Mode

Neon Noir

Minty

HN StartUps