Re: Controls & Key Equivalents

On Dec 2, 2010, at 12:35 PM, Hamish Allan wrote:

> For the specific example you gave: if your users constantly want to
> change something in their preferences, it probably doesn't quite fit
> what "preferences" are intended for.

True, but this functionality might be found on any random dialog within the application...

For example, one might have a dialog that would configure and add some complex object to a document. There might be a checkbox that controls how that object is configured and a power user may want to be able to press Cmd-T to quickly change some configuration option (or many options) and press Return. If one has many of these kinds of things, placing everything in menus may not be appropriate. 

I could see advantages for Accessibility as well, making it easier for people restricted to using the keyboard to jump around the interface using the key equivalent for various controls.

> You should probably file an enhancement request to Apple that they
> should always show key equivalents in lieu of any other tooltip, which
> would foster adoption of that approach.

You're correct - the enhancement request has been filed (rdar://8721395).

I did play with placing it in a tooltip, but it just didn't feel or look right for it to be there. Perhaps that is what the wiser people then I at Apple may decide on eventually, but for now, I will likely go with another option. Your thoughts are appreciated.