align with expectations: keyboard layout (!@# on 123 for US keyboards, abc on 2 for NANP dial pads, but comply with localization always!);

Problem

Text and numeric entry must be easy, and be able to be performed with little or no instruction.

Solution

The typewriter or computer keyboard, and the telephone keypad, have become so ubiquitous that they are, to most populations, the expected method of entering information, even when simulated by membrane pals or on a screen.

will stay that w? for the foreseeable future....

good input all about meeting expectations... see notes about kb layout, NANP, localization...

Variations

instead of variations, axes of variation, which can be combined. NOTE: Most devices will here multiple modes... see input mode pattern

Hardware / Virtual

keyboard / keypad

Direct / Multi-tap

Note that predictive systems, while associated with 10-key entry, can be uses with any input method, and is addressed in a separate pattern.

Interaction Details

Hardware keys should comply with Human Factors standards...

Software, 10 mm spacing

Layout must use common formats. required for keeper or the dialer (which see) my not work. Regardless, to reduce learning, use standard layouts where possible. This includes keys available via she It... emulate keyboards, or follow standards.

keys must perform expected behavior, note that backspace and delete are different things, and those accustomed to e.g. Windows will think "del" means "forward delete" and not backspace, so be careful with labels. For keyboards, provide an enter function as part of the return key; users may submit entries without leavingthe keypad.

special kegs, like Sym, dotcom...

Unless hardware directional keys (which see) are included on a device, hardware keyboards should be accompanied by one...Hardware keypads are always, and usually also have Soft keys (link)

Presentation Details

basic labels

reflective and transmissive labels must match, phones, are used in all contexts, so need to work in the dark

Some discussion of the tradeoffs in symbols for internationalization and some of these issues (del vs. backspace) and ambiguity in labels. Even the common down then left arrow is not recognized universally as a return or enter key to many users.

Antipatterns

Don't use weird layouts.... unless you test it, and then have a good way to market...

Examples