App Navigation Background

App Navigation

Understanding the interface, menus, and navigation patterns

Navigation Architecture

Layered Navigation Approach

Light Paint App uses a sophisticated layered navigation system with multiple presentation styles to provide seamless access to all features while maintaining a clean, intuitive interface.

Navigation Types:

  • Modal Presentations: Full-screen overlays for focused tasks
  • Slide Menus: Side panels for settings and options
  • Bottom Sheets: Quick controls and actions
  • Floating Widgets: Persistent camera controls

Key Principles:

  • Context-Aware: Shows relevant options based on current mode
  • Gesture-Based: Swipe and pinch for natural interaction
  • Minimal Taps: Most features accessible in 1-2 taps
  • Visual Hierarchy: Important controls are prominent

Main Interface Structure

Main Screen (EasyMainView)

Main Interface

The main screen serves as the central hub of the app, providing immediate access to all core features.

Top Toolbar

Navigation menu, title, and settings access

Main Content Area

Large camera button and profile selector

Bottom Navigation

Quick access buttons and controls

Navigation Menu

Accessible via the hamburger menu icon in the top left corner. This sliding menu provides access to major app sections.

Main Sections:

  • Camera - Return to main camera view
  • Media - View captured content
  • Settings - App configuration

Settings Submenu:

  • • Onboarding
  • • Camera Tips
  • • Guides & Videos
  • • Settings
  • • Theme & Colors
  • • About & Privacy Policy

Thumb Menus - Ergonomic Design

Light Paint App features an innovative thumb menu system designed for one-handed operation. Two buttons positioned at the bottom corners of the screen allow easy access while naturally holding your iPhone.

Left Thumb Menu

Camera controls and settings

  • Default: Basic camera controls
  • Camera Active: Advanced settings appear
  • • Shutter Speed control
  • • ISO adjustment
  • • White Balance settings
  • • Focus and exposure controls

Right Thumb Menu

Main app features and navigation

  • Settings: App configuration
  • Media: View and manage captures
  • Guides: Access help and tutorials
  • Profiles: Quick preset switching
  • Export: Share options

Pro Tip: The thumb menus are context-aware. The left menu expands with more camera controls when the camera is active, while the right menu always provides quick access to app features.

Navigation Patterns

Modal Presentations

Full-screen overlays used for immersive experiences and focused workflows.

  • • Camera view (full screen)
  • • Media browser
  • • Settings screens
  • • Profile selection
  • • Export workflows

Slide-up Drawers

Bottom sheets that slide up for quick access to controls without leaving context.

  • • Light painting controls
  • • Camera settings menu
  • • Export options
  • • Quick actions
  • • Batch operations

Floating Elements

Persistent UI elements that float above content for constant access.

  • • Camera widget
  • • Recording controls
  • • Stats display
  • • Zoom controls
  • • Focus indicator

Contextual Menus

Dynamic menus that adapt based on current mode and selection.

  • • Long-press actions
  • • Swipe gestures
  • • Tab-based sections
  • • Dropdown options
  • • Quick toggles

Navigation Best Practices

Efficient Navigation

  • • Use swipe gestures for quick navigation
  • • Long-press for additional options
  • • Double-tap for quick zoom
  • • Pinch to adjust grid sizes
  • • Shake to undo (when enabled)

UI Customization

  • • Customize toolbar buttons
  • • Rearrange quick actions
  • • Set preferred camera widget size
  • • Choose default views
  • • Configure gesture sensitivity

Pro Tip: Learn the gesture shortcuts to navigate faster. Most actions can be performed with swipes and taps instead of button presses.

Ready to Master Camera Controls?

Now that you understand the navigation system, let's explore the comprehensive camera controls.