2.2.2.5-9 Separate Selection and Activation Actions

If menu selection is accomplished by pointing, dual activation should be provided, in which the first action designates the selected option, followed by a separate second action that makes an explicit control entry.

Additional Information:
The two actions of cursor placement and entering should be compatible in their design implementation. If the cursor is positioned by keying, then an ENTER key should be used to signal control entry. If the cursor is positioned by light pen, the pen should have a dual-action "trigger" for cursor positioning and control entry. On a touch display, the computer might display a separate ENTER box that can be touched by a user to indicate that the cursor has been properly positioned. This recommendation for dual activation of pointing assumes that accuracy in selection of control entries is more important than speed. In some applications that may not be true.