windows 7 - UX Design for Disabled Controls w/ the Touch Interface

Question

So we're re-designing a desktop application so that it's also usable with thye Touch Interface with Windows 7. We've consulted the UX guidelines.

For some part of the UI, there are toolbox icons that are disabled because of some arcane rules (the software communicates with a hardware device). We disable the actions that aren't applicable (because of some condition) and let the user hover the mouse on the tool icon to see the tooltip explanation on why that tool is disabled.

Since there is no "hover" for the touch interface (windows 7, iphone, ..) what is a better pattern/model for this?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Not an official solution but here's how I'll approach this until a better solution is available:

• Make the item look disabled but still be clickable.
• Add an overlay icon (of a question or similar) so it looks more than just disabled.
• When clicked, display the message that would have been in the tooltip. Preferably in a non modal way and that doesn't require acknowledgement.