Quasimode
Quasimode (also known as spring-loaded mode) is a technique of human-computer interaction. A quasimode is a modeless interaction that allows for the benefits of a mode without the cognitive burden. The application enters in a mode as long as the user is performing a conscious action, like pressing a key and keep it pressed while invoking a command. If the sustaining action is stopped without executing a command, the application returns to a neutral status.
This term quasimode was coined by Jef Raskin in The Humane Environment. The benefit of this technique is that the user doesn't have to remember the current state of the application when invoking a command. The same action will always produce the same perceived result.
A well known example of quasimode is the use of the Shift key to capitalise the typed letters while it's pressed. Contrast this to the persistent mode activated by the Caps lock key.
Modifier keys also usually start a quasimode.
External link
- Jakob Nielsen on Spring-loaded modes