A hidden crop button

Insights

• Cognitive Load is the working memory needed to complete a task. Apple hides the crop button until you zoom in, which keeps the interface simple and reduces the effort needed to find tools.

• User-Initiated Triggers means users notice and react more to actions they start. Zooming in reveals the crop button, so the feature feels timely and personal, not random or distracting.

• Apple uses a similar pattern in screenshot editing, surfacing "Copy and Delete" only after a screenshot is taken. Both cases reveal options contextually, so users aren't overloaded with choices.

• Cash App shows the opposite by asking for input before giving context. Apple's crop shortcut appears only after zooming, so users get a softer, less stressful transition to editing.

• Visible Lifeboats is the idea that showing a feature can reassure users. Here, the crop button is hidden until needed, so it doesn't clutter the UI, but appears just when users might want it.