SOFTWARE SAFETY-LOCKED CONTROLS TO PREVENT INADVERTENT SELECTION OF USER INTERFACE ELEMENTS

A method includes displaying a user interface having a first region with one or more user interface elements and determining whether a shield is in a locked state or an unlocked state. The shield covers the first region when in the locked state and uncovers at least part of the first region when in the unlocked state. The method includes, in response to determining that the shield is in the locked state, displaying the shield covering the first region and disabling the user interface element(s). The method includes, in response to receiving user input on the shield while the shield is in the locked state, changing the shield to the unlocked state. Additionally, the method includes, in response to determining that the shield is in the unlocked state, displaying the first region such that the user interface element(s) is/are not covered by the shield and enabling the user interface element(s).