A tester has pointed out some inconsistency in Writer's behavior when the user presses the alt key to activate a control. It seems that some of the time, the activated control, though selected and accepting input, doesn't actually look focused- it doesn't display the focus rectangle that we're used to seeing.
I mentioned this to Spike, and he said that the rules governing the display of focus vs. mnemonics were complicated, but in essence, the two aren't always shown together.
With that clue in hand, I set out to see if I could figure out what the expected behavior should be. I started with some searching using popular search engines, but after 20 or so minutes decided to simply build a small test app and see if I could just figure it out. 15 minutes later, I think I'm done.
The key factor that determines whether keyboard gestures are displayed in a dialog is whether the dialog was shown using the keyboard or mouse.
If the dialog was shown using the keyboard, both mnemonics and focus rectangles will display. Like so:
If the dialog was shown using the mouse, mnemonics and focus rectangles will not display until the user uses a keyboard gesture specific to either focus (e.g. tab) or keyboard mnemonics (e.g. alt), and then only the UI cues specific to the type of keyboard input will display.
So, when I show the dialog using the mouse, then press the alt key, it looks like so:
Note the absence of any focus rectangles, but note that the mnemonics are being displayed. Hard to see this, but the 'Test Link Label' actually has focus at this moment- if I press enter, it will be invoked:
If I show the form using the mouse, then press the tab key, it looks like so:
Note that the focus rectangle is now being displayed, but there are no mnemonics. Press the alt key now will show the mnemonic cues:
Looks to me like the behavior is consistent, so long as you know what you're looking for 
.
Also worth noting, sometimes simply building a test app that simulates what you need to test is the fastest and most simply way to understand the problem and solution. It typically adds very little overhead and turns what may be a mess of variability into a controllable scientific experiment. And I'm a big fan of the scientific method.
Addendum Regarding App Launch Behavior
Looks like the rules governing the display of focus rectangles and mnemonics are similar when starting an app. If you launch the app using the mouse, no keyboard cues:
But if you launch the process using the keyboard, focus rectangles and mnemonics are present:
I see!
- The Tester
Posted by: The Tester | June 25, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Hello
At you the excellent site, a lot of useful info and good design, thank.
G'night
Posted by: likopinko | September 10, 2007 at 08:29 AM