singleinput

Singleinput is a term used to describe systems, components, or interfaces that rely on a single input channel or a single input value. It is not a formal standard but a descriptive label applied across fields such as hardware design, software engineering, and data collection to emphasize simplicity and a reduced input surface.

In hardware, single-input devices present one method of interaction, such as a button, switch, or sensor that produces one stream of data or action. In software, the concept appears as single-input functions or APIs that accept one argument or one payload, and as design patterns aimed at minimizing the number of required user actions.

In data collection and forms, single-input approaches gather one piece of information per submission, which can improve speed and reduce user friction but may require subsequent steps to obtain fuller context. In user interface design, single-input interfaces can lower cognitive load and error rates but may limit expressiveness and scalability.

Common examples include a push-button control, a single-value sensor (such as a temperature sensor reporting one value), a command-line tool that requires a single argument, or an API endpoint that consumes one field in a JSON payload.

Considerations for implementing singleinput designs include input validation, accessibility, and how to handle missing or conflicting data when a single input is insufficient to describe a user’s intent.