Provided is a method and system of processing rotational inputs to a control device having an electronic display and user interface, such as a programmable thermostat. Displayed on the electronic display is an initial display element selected from a sequence of display elements. In response to seeing such information, the user applies a rotational input applied to a rotational input device, such as a rotatable ring around the electronic display. A variable scroll assist engine determines an angular movement provided through the rotational input device and applies one or more heuristics to variably assist with a scrolling movement of a sequence of display elements. The variable scroll assist engine may reduce the rotational user input required to traverse an arbitrary number of display elements to as little as a quarter-revolution of the rotational input device in order that a user is better able to operate the control device.