couldn't you just design it with a small clue, such as an arrow, which would open a drop-down menu when rolled over (on a computer) or tapped on (on a touch device)?
I really, really like this idea as a solution to fix possible hidden rollovers usability issues. Like the best ideas it sounds obvious once you hear it. If it is well executed (I would imagine something clean and simple yet recognizable like a point within a circle) and when/where it does work, then - like you said - it's a solution that works for both touch and rollover, and that's exciting too.
Also, sometimes you really need some text beside your indicator arrow. On the native email app on the iPad, my Dad repeatedly cannot figure out how to reply to an email (despite it being the principle thing he wants to do), because the icon (a curved arrow) lies among 3 other icons of equal obscurity (to him).
Another compromise solution is to put text on the page, but to grey it out, or otherwise make it less visually distinctive according to it's lack of importance.
Comments
couldn't you just design it with a small clue, such as an arrow, which would open a drop-down menu when rolled over (on a computer) or tapped on (on a touch device)?
I really, really like this idea as a solution to fix possible hidden rollovers usability issues. Like the best ideas it sounds obvious once you hear it. If it is well executed (I would imagine something clean and simple yet recognizable like a point within a circle) and when/where it does work, then - like you said - it's a solution that works for both touch and rollover, and that's exciting too.
Also, sometimes you really need some text beside your indicator arrow. On the native email app on the iPad, my Dad repeatedly cannot figure out how to reply to an email (despite it being the principle thing he wants to do), because the icon (a curved arrow) lies among 3 other icons of equal obscurity (to him).
Another compromise solution is to put text on the page, but to grey it out, or otherwise make it less visually distinctive according to it's lack of importance.