buttonon

Buttonon is a term used in discussions of user interfaces and electronics to describe a push-button control that, once activated, remains in the on state until it is deactivated by another action. It emphasizes the persistence of state rather than a single momentary press.

In hardware terms, devices that operate as buttonons are typically called latching or bistable pushbuttons, which change state with each press. In software interfaces, the closest equivalent is a toggle or checkable button, where the control reflects a persistent on/off state. The distinction between momentary and persistent behavior is a common consideration in both hardware design and UI design.

Origin and usage of the term are informal, arising in hobbyist electronics, interaction design discussions, and tutorials. Buttonon is not a formal specification but a descriptive concept used to contrast transient presses with lasting state changes. Designers may use the idea to communicate how a control behaves in a given context or to clarify the perceived persistence of a user action.

Behavior and indicators of a buttonon typically include clear visual feedback showing the on state, such as illumination, color change, or a filled icon. In some implementations, the on state can be toggled by pressing the same button again or by separate controls, depending on the intended workflow.

Applications of buttonon concepts appear in consumer electronics, media players, home automation, and industrial controls, where a mode or function should remain active until explicitly turned off. Design considerations include accessibility, with explicit labeling, keyboard operability, and screen-reader announcements indicating the current state. Related concepts include latching switches, toggle buttons, and stateful user interfaces.