Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an appliance of the type having a plurality of machine functions to be activated and deactivated in accordance with a control strategy includes a plurality of selectable cycles each made up of a series of events and an array of user actuatable membrane switching devices for selecting at least one cycle of operation for the appliance. The array of membrane switching devices also allow the user to program an optional event within the selected cycle and to select a time period for at least one of the events of the selected cycle. A control logic includes a resident program with a series of instructions for the operation of the applicance and a memory for storing data which is retrievable in response to actuation of the membrane switching devices so that the appliance operates in accordance with the resident program and the retrieved data.