a control device for a laundry appliance includes a member which need only be manually shifted through a limited range of travel , from a neutral position to which the control member is biased , in either of first and second opposing directions , to establish a desired cycle and to adjust an operational time for the cycle . the control member is provided with numerous movable contacts which are interposed between fixed contacts . shifting of the control member a limited amount in either direction will function to engage a single pair of the contacts , while shifting the control member a further amount in the same direction causes another pair of the contacts to become engaged . in this manner , the contacts are paired to slowly increase or decrease the operational time and to also select either the next or previous operational cycle . user feedback of the selected setting is preferably provided through the use of a illuminated indicator that shifts around a track adjacent operational indicia .