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. Depend on development company, soft keys are often called as F1(Left),F2(Right) as well.

[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. It will bring multiple function which is a pop-up expanded menu from bottom. Usually prompt text on display for soft key is not allowed to be truncated or omitted with ellipsis. Soft key itself is usually not printed with a functional icon or text but often marked with a dot or short bar.

[edit] 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