Basic Navigation

Master MononoMori's intuitive navigation patterns for effortless forest exploration

Page Overview

MononoMori’s navigation follows natural, intuitive patterns that mirror how you think about and move through physical spaces. Just as you might walk from room to room in your home, navigation in MononoMori feels organic and spatial rather than mechanical and hierarchical.

Core Navigation Principles

Spatial Thinking:

  • Movement feels like exploration, not database traversal
  • Breadcrumb trails show your journey through the forest
  • Visual cues indicate where you are and where you can go
  • Return paths are always clear and accessible

Contextual Awareness:

  • Available actions change based on your current location
  • Relevant information surfaces automatically
  • Navigation options adapt to content and user preferences
  • Smart defaults reduce decision fatigue

Effortless Flow:

  • Common paths require minimal taps or swipes
  • Gesture shortcuts speed up frequent actions
  • Multiple paths to the same destination
  • Forgiving interface allows easy error recovery

Primary Navigation Patterns

1. Tab-Based Navigation

Main Tab Bar (Bottom of Screen):

🏠 Spaces Tab:

  • Purpose: Your main forest entrance
  • Content: Grid or list of all spaces
  • Quick Actions: Add space, search within spaces
  • Badge: Shows unread notifications count

🗺️ Forest Map Tab:

  • Purpose: Visual overview of entire forest
  • Content: Interactive map showing all items
  • Quick Actions: Zoom, filter, search by location
  • Badge: Highlights recent activity

🔍 Search Tab:

  • Purpose: Find anything across your entire forest
  • Content: Search interface and recent searches
  • Quick Actions: Voice search, saved filters
  • Badge: Shows number of saved searches

⚙️ Settings Tab:

  • Purpose: Customize and manage your forest
  • Content: Preferences, data management, help
  • Quick Actions: Export data, contact support
  • Badge: Indicates available updates

2. Hierarchical Navigation

Forest Structure:

🌲 Your Forest
├── 🏠 Spaces (Woodlands)
│   ├── 📦 Locations (Trees)
│   │   └── 🍃 Items (Fruits)
│   └── 📦 More Locations
└── 🏠 More Spaces

Navigation Depth:

  • Level 0: Forest Overview (Spaces List/Map)
  • Level 1: Space Interior (Locations within space)
  • Level 2: Location Contents (Items within location)
  • Level 3: Item Details (Full item information)

Back Navigation:

  • Tap back button to ascend one level
  • Breadcrumb navigation shows full path
  • Swipe from left edge for gestural back
  • Tab bar always provides escape to top level

3. Contextual Navigation

Smart Action Buttons:

  • In Spaces List: ”+” creates new space
  • Within Space: ”+” adds location or item
  • In Location: ”+” adds item to that location
  • Item Detail: Actions specific to that item

Contextual Menus:

  • Long-press any item for context-sensitive options
  • Actions change based on content type and permissions
  • Frequently used actions surface first
  • Destructive actions require confirmation

Gesture Navigation

Essential Gestures

Basic Touch Gestures:

  • Tap: Select, open, or activate
  • Long Press: Context menu or batch selection
  • Swipe Left/Right: Navigation or quick actions
  • Pull Down: Refresh content
  • Pinch/Spread: Zoom in Forest Map mode

Advanced Gestures:

  • Two-Finger Tap: Quick add (contextual)
  • Force Touch: Peek and pop preview (supported devices)
  • Shake: Undo last action
  • Edge Swipe: Navigate back without buttons

Quick Access Patterns:

  • Double-Tap Empty Space: Add item here
  • Drag and Hold: Move item to new location
  • Swipe Up from Bottom: Quick search
  • Long Press Tab: Access tab-specific shortcuts

Accessibility Gestures:

  • Three-Finger Double-Tap: Toggle VoiceOver
  • Two-Finger Z: Redo action
  • Control + Option + H: Home screen
  • Magic Tap: Answer/end calls during app use

Search-Driven Navigation

Global Search Features:

  • Search from any screen in the app
  • Results include spaces, locations, and items
  • Smart suggestions as you type
  • Recent searches for quick access

Search Result Navigation:

  • Tap result to view item in its natural location
  • “Show in Space” to see item within context
  • “Edit Item” for direct modification
  • “Similar Items” to explore related content

Filter-Based Navigation

Quick Filters:

  • Pre-configured filters for common searches
  • One-tap access to frequently needed subsets
  • Visual indicators show active filters
  • Easy filter removal and combination

Advanced Filtering:

  • Multi-criteria filtering for precise results
  • Save complex filters for reuse
  • Filter by location, category, tags, dates
  • Boolean logic for sophisticated queries

Forest Map Navigation

Visual Exploration

Map Interaction:

  • Pan: Drag to explore different areas
  • Zoom: Pinch to see different detail levels
  • Tap: Select items or areas for information
  • Double-Tap: Zoom to fit selected area

Visual Hierarchy:

  • Forest Level: See all spaces at once
  • Woodland Level: Explore single space in detail
  • Tree Level: Focus on specific location
  • Leaf Level: Examine individual items

Map Controls

Zoom Controls:

  • Floating zoom buttons for precise control
  • Gesture-based zooming with smooth animations
  • Auto-zoom to fit content when opening areas
  • Return to overview with single tap

View Options:

  • Toggle item labels on/off
  • Adjust visual density for clarity
  • Color-code by category, age, or value
  • Highlight search results or filtered items

Customization Options

Default Views:

  • Set preferred starting screen (Spaces/Map/Search)
  • Choose default space sorting (name, recent, custom)
  • Configure item list density and layout
  • Customize back button behavior

Gesture Preferences:

  • Enable/disable specific gestures
  • Adjust gesture sensitivity
  • Configure accessibility alternatives
  • Set up custom gesture shortcuts

Accessibility Navigation

VoiceOver Integration:

  • Logical reading order throughout app
  • Custom actions for complex controls
  • Descriptive labels for all interface elements
  • Rotor support for efficient navigation

Voice Control:

  • “Go to Spaces” - Navigate to Spaces tab
  • “Show [Space Name]” - Open specific space
  • “Search for [item]” - Find specific items
  • “Go back” - Navigate to previous screen

Switch Control:

  • Sequential navigation through interface
  • Custom switch actions for common tasks
  • Grouped controls for efficient selection
  • Auto-scanning with adjustable timing

Efficient Workflows

Learn the Hierarchy:

  • Understand the forest → space → location → item structure
  • Use breadcrumbs to track your position
  • Master the back navigation patterns
  • Utilize tab switching for quick context changes

Optimize for Your Usage:

  • Pin frequently accessed spaces to top
  • Create saved searches for common queries
  • Use tags strategically for cross-cutting navigation
  • Set up smart filters for routine workflows

Speed Navigation:

  • Master swipe gestures for quick actions
  • Use long-press menus for context-sensitive tasks
  • Learn keyboard shortcuts (iPad/Mac)
  • Voice shortcuts for hands-free navigation

Common Navigation Patterns

Daily Use Patterns:

  1. Open app → Spaces tab → Frequently used space
  2. Add new item → Choose location → Quick entry
  3. Find item → Search tab → Type name → Select result
  4. Review areas → Forest Map → Explore visually

Weekly Review Patterns:

  1. Search tab → Recent items filter → Review additions
  2. Forest Map → Zoom out → Assess overall organization
  3. Settings → Data → Review storage and sync status
  4. Spaces → Sort by activity → Focus on active areas

Maintenance Patterns:

  1. Long-press space → Edit → Update organization
  2. Search → Advanced filters → Find items needing attention
  3. Bulk select → Actions → Apply changes to multiple items
  4. Settings → Export → Backup important data

Troubleshooting Navigation Issues

Common Problems

“I can’t find my way back”:

  • Use the breadcrumb navigation at top of screen
  • Tap any tab to return to main sections
  • Swipe from left edge for gestural back
  • Check Recently Viewed in Search tab

“The interface feels cluttered”:

  • Adjust density settings in Preferences
  • Use compact view mode for more information
  • Reduce visual elements in Accessibility settings
  • Focus on one section at a time initially

“Gestures don’t work consistently”:

  • Check Accessibility settings for conflicting controls
  • Verify gesture sensitivity in Preferences
  • Practice gestures in less critical areas first
  • Use button alternatives if gestures are challenging

Getting Help

In-App Assistance:

  • Help overlays highlight navigation options
  • Tutorial mode provides guided practice
  • Contextual hints appear for new features
  • Reset tutorial progress to replay guidance

Support Options:

  • Built-in feedback system for navigation issues
  • Video tutorials for complex navigation patterns
  • Community forum for user tips and tricks
  • Direct support for accessibility concerns

Advanced Navigation Features

Power User Shortcuts

Keyboard Navigation (iPad/Mac):

  • Arrow keys for list navigation
  • Return/Space for selection
  • Tab for field navigation
  • Command keys for app-wide shortcuts

URL Scheme Integration:

  • Direct links to specific items or spaces
  • Share locations with other MononoMori users
  • Integration with other productivity apps
  • Workflow automation possibilities

Automation Integration

Siri Shortcuts:

  • “Show me my bedroom items”
  • “Add item to kitchen”
  • “Search for camping gear”
  • “Open MononoMori forest map”

Widget Integration:

  • Quick access to recent spaces
  • Search widget for home screen
  • Recent items for quick reference
  • Add item widget for rapid entry

Navigation in MononoMori should feel as natural as walking through your own home. Take time to explore and discover the paths that work best for your organizational style and daily routines. 🗺️✨

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