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DescriptionThe pointer is a graphical cue, usually in the shape of an
arrow, that a user can move with a pointing device. Users place
the pointer over an element they want to work with. A position on
the pointer, called the hot spot, tracks the movement of the input
device and is the location where input device actions occur. When to Use- Required
Display a pointer whenever the operating environment
allows the user to move it. - Recommended
Use different pointer shapes to provide a visual
indication of the kind of interaction allowed. For example, use
a spray can pointer to indicate that the user can "paint"
in a drawing area. - Required
Use the hot spot to target (point to) the window,
object, element, or selection under the pointer. If multiple elements
are under the pointer, the topmost element is generally considered
the element pointed to by the pointer.
Guidelines- Required
When no other element-specific or task-specific
pointer is displayed, display the arrow pointer. - Required
Do not create new pointer shapes for operations
that already have pointer shapes associated with them. - Required
If the pointer can be warped (that is, moved by
the application without reference to any user control of the pointing
device), allow the operating environment to disable this feature
and prevent the pointer from being warped.
Definition of the Hot Spot
- Required
Define a hot spot for each pointer shape. - Recommended
Place the hot spot at a visually distinguishable
position of the pointer shape. - Recommended
If the pointer graphic has no visually distinguishable
feature, place the hot spot at its center, if it is a symmetrical
graphic.
Using the Keyboard to Move the Pointer- Required
For users unable to use a standard pointing device,
support a mode whose only effect is to enable the directional keys,
possibly modified with Ctrl,
to act as a pointing device. - Required
Support access for users unable to press a pointer
button or move the pointer simultaneously or for users who need
to perform more precise placement than possible with a standard
pointing device. - Required
If your interface enters a mode on a pointer button
press and supports behavior on pointer motion in that mode, and
there is no other efficient alternative means of providing the same
effect, then do the following: Provide a means of entering that mode
via the keyboard, clicking a pointer button (possibly augmented
by modifier keys), or both. Support both the pointing device and the directional
keys as a means of moving the pointer in that mode, with an unmodified
directional key moving the pointer by one pixel in the direction
indicated, and a directional key modified by Ctrl
moving the pointer by a larger increment. Do not change the effect of other keyboard actions.
In particular, support Enter
to complete the operation and to exit from the mode, Cancel
to cancel the operation and to exit from the mode, and Help
to obtain help.
Behavior- Recommended
When both the pointer and focus are on a control
that is using a text or graphics cursor, hide the pointer until
the mouse is moved after either of the following: The user types a text character that
is inserted. The user uses keyboard navigation to move the cursor.
- Recommended
If you provide a warning signal associated with
a pointer shape, provide the warning signal only when the pointer
changes to that shape. For instance, a drag pointer could change
to a "dropping image" and generate a warning signal
when it moves over the trash can icon. Do not, however, keep generating
the warning signal while the pointer is held over the trash can. - Required
Use the hot spot position of the pointer to track
the movement of the input device and the location where input device
actions occur. - Required
As the pointer changes shape, indicating a change
in the function of the current area, do not change the location
of the hot spot on the screen. - Recommended
Do not warp the pointer when the user operates a
pointing device.
Essential Related TopicsFor more information, see the Pointer (Predefined)
reference page. Supplemental Related TopicsFor more information, see the Direct Manipulation,
Keyboard (Device),
and Mouse (Device) reference
pages. |
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