gui design - How to best enter long digits on a small touch device without using keyboard input

my current task is to create an user interface for a mobile strategy game. stuff can be transported from point a to point b. the user can select an amount of stuff between 1 and 1.000.000. it is importan that he can choose any amount he likes. how would you solve this without using a textfield and keyboard entry? i have some ideas in mind but am eager to listen to other ideas.

Answer

Common solutions to this problem:

1. Use a text field, not a label. Even with the methods below, you can still allow the user to select the text field as a backup input method. Make sure the text field is set as a digit entry (tells the mobile device to only show numbers, not the full keyboard).


2. Slider (Alexey's suggestion)


3. Up/Down control: Use an up/down control. Tap the button to add 1. Hold the button to add many. The speed will change if the button is held longer. Having two or more up/down controls (e.g., one for +/- 1, one for +/- 1000) may help.


4. Send X. Clicking "Send X" will send X stuff immediately (clicking twice will send 2X, etc.). In many contexts, choices like "Send All", "Send Max" and "Send Half" are appropriate. In a fast-paced real-time game, removing a click may be important.