 Design patterns are applied in the context of "human-computer interaction, describing common designs for the graphical user" in preforming a task.

Arizona State University

Gestures help users perform tasks rapidly and intuitively using touch.
-  Alternative Interaction
- Easy to Use
- Tactile Control

Principles of Gesture 


Gestures use touch as another way of performing a task

Users can perform gestures in imprecise way

Gestures allow direct changes to UI elements using touch, such as precisely zooming into a map

A straightforward method of use to "perform gestures in an imprecise" manner. 

Gestures that change aspects and "Allow direct change to UI elements using touch" 