- Soft key
A soft key is a button, located alongside a
display device , which performs a function dependent on the text shown near it at that moment on the display. Soft keys are generally found oncellular phone s,Automated Teller Machine s, 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 a number key pad or the Send/End key of a mobile phone. Depending on the development company, soft keys are often called F1(Left), F2(Right).Mobile phone
A typical mobile phone has soft keys located at left(LSK), right(RSK) and center(CSK). Depending on the modality of the application, various functions can be mapped onto it. It can also bring up multiple functions listed on a pop-up expanded menu. Usually the prompt text on the display for the soft key is not allowed to be truncated or omitted with ellipsis. The soft key itself is usually not printed with a functional icon or text, but is often marked with a dot or short bar.
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
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