Sage advice from newtoy. It has transformed one of the X-T1's poorest and slowest interface elements, especially since the dame rear buttons are so hard to press.
“In Function buttons setting, change buttons 3 to 6 to FOCUS AREA. Set your focus mode to “Focus Area Mode”. Now you D-pad act very similar to your old DSLR! You still can use the Q button to change others setting quickly.”