Context
The app started with a conventional bottom toolbar. At its core it allowed navigation into key sections, but as the product grew, users struggled to move quickly between areas without repeated backtracking.
Problem
The pattern of hiding navigation tabs meant there was no truly fast way to jump across sections of the app. Users ended up repeatedly backtracking through screens instead of being able to jump directly where they needed.
Scope
The team wanted to avoid completely redesigning the bottom toolbar navigation. Instead, we focused on reducing the worst navigation pain within the existing architecture, making it feel almost frictionless to move around.
Solution
We introduced a persistent search control in the bottom toolbar that could be invoked from anywhere in the app. Tapping it opens a lightweight overlay that surfaces recently viewed items and common destinations, then filters them instantly as you type.