USING THE APP

This section describes the various techniques you may find useful when using or navigating through Smart mineralogists. If you have experience with android app use and navigation, then feel free to skip to the next topic since this section is catered towards those new to Android app environment.

Smart mineralogist was developed with Android in mind and in a typical Android custom, you will encounter user interface elements designed to make Android stand out. The first and most important of these is the Navigation menu.

The Navigation Menu

The Navigation menu is the control center of Smart mineralogist that opens from left to right in a swiping manner. The menu is opened by default every time you launch the App. It also allows you to move to different sections of the app with as few taps as possible. You will know it’s available for use by observing the three white horizontally stacking lines on the top ribbon of the app interface (Toolbar).

The menu is opened in either one of two ways. 

• Swipe from the left most edge of the screen moving from left to right. This gesture will slowly reveal the Menu as you swipe relative to the speed of the fingers performing the swipe.

• Open the menu by tapping the Menu icon (three white horizontally stacked white lines) when present on the top left corner of the screen.

The menu allows you to choose various functionalities the app can do by tapping any one of the choices presented to you. For a detailed explanation on what these choices are and their function, jump to the next dedicated section of this help titled 'Navigation Options'.

Should you choose of its options, it will automatically dismiss itself. However, should you choose to close it without choosing an option, do any of the following gestures.

• Tap anywhere on the right side of the Menu where it does not occupy. This area is grayed out and semitransparent.

• Pressing the back button as per your device's configuration.

• Swipe from right to left anywhere on the screen the menu has influence.

Next is the Toolbar which is as equally important as the Navigation menu. 

The Toolbar

The Toolbar is a solid blue or black ribbon that always occupies the top of the App area. It serves to inform you of the app's current direction and various quick options you can perform by tapping the icons that are unique to it. The Toolbar always displays the Menu icon on the left of its bounds followed by the name of the section the app is currently running and finally by a group of Action icons to the right. 

The available icons on the Toolbar constantly change to reflect the app's available functionalities.