pressedstate

Pressed state is the temporary condition of a user interface element or mechanical control after an input event, indicating that the element is being engaged. It typically occurs when a user presses a button, taps a touchscreen, or depresses a key, and lasts for the duration of the input or the action being carried out. In practice, the term is usually written as “pressed state” in prose; the concatenated form pressedstate sometimes appears in code, data fields, or identifiers where spaces are not allowed.

In software design, the pressed state is usually one of several interaction states used to convey feedback and to manage input flow. Common states include normal, hover, focused, pressed, and disabled.

In graphical user interfaces, the pressed state provides visual and sometimes haptic feedback to confirm the action. Visual cues may include a darker or inset appearance, a color change, or a ripple effect. The state is often managed by a simple state machine that transitions from normal to pressed on input press and returns to normal on release or after the action completes. In web development, CSS or UI frameworks expose an active or pressed state (for example, the :active pseudo-class) to style elements during the press interaction.

In hardware contexts, pressed state refers to a momentary closure of a physical switch or contact, such as a push-button, keyboard key, or button on a device. This physical state can trigger software events or drive circuitry directly.

Accessibility and usability considerations emphasize clear feedback and predictable transitions, ensuring that keyboard and assistive technology users can perceive and control the pressed state.