Soft key

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A soft key is a button, located along a display device, which performs whatever function is shown near it on that display. Soft keys are generally found on cellular phones, Automated Teller Machines, and Primary Flight and Multi-Function Displays, although they are also found elsewhere. Hard key is the contrary term which means a hard coded key such as number key pad or Send/End key of mobile phone.

[edit] Mobile phone

A typical mobile phone has softkey located at left(LSK), right(RSK) and center(CSK). Depending on modality of application, various functions can be mapped on it. Sometimes it might be able to have multiple function which can be s pop-up style expanded menu from bottom. Usually prompt text on soft key is not allowed to be truncated or omitted with ellipsis

References:

Kiljander, Harri (2004) “Evolution and usability of mobile phone interaction styles” Helsinki University of Technology, dissertation

Lindholm, Christian. Keinonen, Turkka, Kiljander, Harri (2003) “Mobile usability : how Nokia changed the face of the mobile phone” New York : McGraw-Hill