A method of displaying icons in a graphical user interface displayed on a touch screen of a portable electronic device. The method includes associating, with an electronic processor of the portable electronic device, a first subset of icons of a plurality of icons with a first selected gesture. The first selected gesture has a first shape. The method further includes detecting, with the touch screen and the electronic processor of the portable electronic device, whether the first selected gesture is made on the touch screen. The method further includes displaying, with the touch screen of the portable electronic device, the first subset of icons on the touch screen when the first selected gesture is detected.