A salient control element for a mobile device comprises at least one button actuatable by a user to execute a mobile device function. The button has at least a first active state in which the button is extended or retracted relative to a surrounding surface and a second inactive state in which the button is substantially flush with the surrounding surface. The button is reconfigurable between the active state and the inactive state based upon a triggering event. The triggering event comprises at least one of receiving signals indicating a position, motion or orientation of the device, signals indicating a mode of operation or time, signals indicating that a predetermined application or service is active, signals indicating a current wireless communication, or signals indicating the mobile device is in a predetermined venue.