At each step of a workflow performed by an operator that involves a plurality of input mechanisms in a radiation therapy system, the operator is assisted in the process of selecting the next input mechanism in a way that greatly reduces the number of possible input mechanisms that can be chosen. A first subset of input mechanisms is made visually prominent via a first visual technique and a second subset of the input mechanisms is made visually prominent via a second visual technique. The first subset includes input mechanisms that are available for selection at that particular step in the workflow and the second subset includes recommended input mechanisms that are the most likely to be the next input mechanism that should be actuated by the operator at that particular step in the workflow.