This will provide the user with feedback indicating that the selection process may be performed. Highlight the button in some visually distinctive manner when the pointer is resting on it and the button is available for selection. Call attention to the button in another visually distinctive manner when it has been activated or pressed. Particular mnemonic is being used somewhere else in the window: It may not be available for use on the toolbar. Step 7: Choose the Proper Screen-Based Controls 461 Assign a keyboard accelerator to facilitate keyboard selection. Maintain the same mnemonic on all identical buttons on all screens. Assign keyboard equivalents to facilitate keyboard selection. Many users do not customize them, however, so a default set should always be provided. Also, allow users to customize the toolbar, determining what they would like to add or remove. Permit the toolbars to be turned off by the user, should their use not be necessary or should more screen space be desired.
![word rich text content control grayed out word rich text content control grayed out](https://updates.theteamie.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Rich-text-options-without-selecting-any-text.png)
■ Permit toolbars to be turned off by the user.
![word rich text content control grayed out word rich text content control grayed out](https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/rich-text-control.png)
Temporarily unavailable items may be grayed out. ■ Temporarily not available items may be displayed grayed out.Īs the user moves around through an application, items at various points that are not applicable do not have to be displayed. ■ Make only currently available toolbar items available. Always also provide access to the toolbar actions through standard menus. Because a toolbar can create visual noise, permit its display to be turned on or off. Permit the location of the toolbar to be changed by the user. Locate subtask and subfeature tool bars along sides of window. Locate the main features and functions tool bar horizontally across the top of the window just below the menu bar. Also provide access through standard menus. ■ Permit display of the bar to be turned on or off by the user. ■ Permit the location of the bar to be changed by the user. ■ Position subtask and subfeatures bars along sides of window. ■ Position main features and functions bar horizontally across top of window just below menu bar. 460 Part 2: The User Interface Design Process