Last week I was adding a comment to a blog post while using my tablet. The comment section was at the bottom of the page as it is on many blogs. A problem arose when the onscreen keyboard is displayed - it overlays the bottom (or quarter depending on orientation) of the screen, making it impossible to see the text I was entering.

The image on the right shows my dilemma. The top half is before the keywoard is displayed. In the bottom half the comment field is effectively hidden.

Of course there are options as a user in this situation.

• use a notebook or desktop computer to enter the data, or
• connect a Bluetooth keyboard

But these weren’t available to me. It would be some time before I had access to a different device. It’s good to add the comment when the inspiration strikes. So my choice was between giving up on the comment or toggling the onscreen keyboard off and on until finished. I chose the latter. Fortunately I only had a small comment.

What’s the solution for the website developer? The only solution I have at the moment is to make sure your form doesn’t sit hard at the bottom of the display, either by adding some otherwise unnecessary HTML or applying a bottom margin via a mobile only stylesheet.

Related articles

• Going mobile - one step at a time (part 1: struggles with external files) (blog.midboh.com.au)