Virtual and otherwise, spacing of keys, basic labels, reflective and transmissive labels must match, align with expectations: keyboard layout (!@# on 123 for US keyboards, abc on 2 for NANP dial pads, but comply with localization always!); 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. 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.

Problem

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

Presentation Details

Antipatterns

Examples