In a portable electronics device, a method for displaying a graphical user interface element on a screen of the portable electronics device, comprising: displaying content on a screen of a portable electronics device, the content being associated with a first function of the portable electronics device; receiving user input through the manipulation of a user input device of the portable electronics device; in response to the user input, displaying a graphical user interface ("GUI") element on the screen by overlaying the GUI element on the content, the GUI element including a sequence of menu selection items corresponding to functions other than the first function of the portable electronics device; and permitting the user to select one of the menu selection items without navigating out of the first function of the portable electronics device prior to selecting the menu selection item; characterized in that: the user input device is a rotatable wheel; and the GUI element is a rotating arc, corresponding to the rotatable wheel, displayed on the screen; wherein the method further comprises displaying a sequence of menu selection items along a segment of the rotating arc; and wherein the content is displayed at a first intensity prior to displaying the GUI element and at a reduced intensity after displaying the GUI element, and wherein the GUI element is displayed at the first intensity, thereby emphasizing the GUI element. displaying content on a screen of a portable electronics device, the content being associated with a first function of the portable electronics device; receiving user input through the manipulation of a user input device of the portable electronics device; in response to the user input, displaying a graphical user interface ("GUI") element on the screen by overlaying the GUI element on the content, the GUI element including a sequence of menu selection items corresponding to functions other than the first function of the portable electronics device; and permitting the user to select one of the menu selection items without navigating out of the first function of the portable electronics device prior to selecting the menu selection item; characterized in that: the user input device is a rotatable wheel; and the GUI element is a rotating arc, corresponding to the rotatable wheel, displayed on the screen; wherein the method further comprises displaying a sequence of menu selection items along a segment of the rotating arc; and wherein the content is displayed at a first intensity prior to displaying the GUI element and at a reduced intensity after displaying the GUI element, and wherein the GUI element is displayed at the first intensity, thereby emphasizing the GUI element. the user input device is a rotatable wheel; and the GUI element is a rotating arc, corresponding to the rotatable wheel, displayed on the screen; wherein the method further comprises displaying a sequence of menu selection items along a segment of the rotating arc; and wherein the content is displayed at a first intensity prior to displaying the GUI element and at a reduced intensity after displaying the GUI element, and wherein the GUI element is displayed at the first intensity, thereby emphasizing the GUI element.