Loading vs Fetching

The Basics Link to heading

  • No Data + Fetching Data = LOADING
  • Yes Data + Fetching Data = FETCHING

Why? Link to heading

As long as the data we have is not invalid. We have no reason to hide it away from the user.

Examples from around the world Link to heading

Loading Fetching
YouTube Loading State YouTube Loading State YouTube Fetching State YouTube Fetching State
Apollo App Loading State Apollo App Loading State Apollo App Fetching State Apollo App Fetching State
Fotmob Loading State Fotmob Loading State Fotmob Fetching State Fotmob Fetching State

Important Exception Link to heading

We must be careful not to trigger the fetching state when the data is invalid

Facebook Messenger Concept Facebook Messenger Concept (Credit: Christoffer O. Jensen)

In this example. Moving between chats should always render the data on the screen invalid.

References Link to heading