tappable

Tappable is a term used in user interface design to describe elements that respond to a tap gesture on touchscreens. A tap is a brief touch by a finger that activates an action, distinct from mouse clicks or hover states and separate from other gestures such as swipes or long presses. Tappable elements typically include buttons, links, icons, and interactive list items embedded in cards or menus.

Design guidelines for tappable elements focus on readability and ease of use on small screens. Target sizes are important: iOS commonly recommends a minimum touch target of 44 by 44 points, while Android guidelines favor about 48 by 48 density-independent pixels. Adequate spacing around targets helps prevent accidental taps. Providing immediate feedback after a tap—through visual changes, motion, or haptic feedback—clarifies that the action has been registered. Accessible design calls for meaningful labeling and support for keyboard or other assistive technologies where possible, using proper semantic elements or ARIA roles.

Implementation considerations involve ensuring the element has a reliable tap handler (for example, onTap or onClick) and that the tappable area remains usable across different devices and screen densities. For custom components, designers often increase the hit area beyond the visible label to improve accuracy, while keeping the visual appearance clean and consistent with the platform’s conventions.

Distinctions with clickable are context-dependent; tappable emphasizes touch-based interaction on mobile devices, whereas clickable is often used in broader desktop contexts. In practice, many interfaces treat both terms interchangeably, but it is generally best to design for touch when the primary interaction is tapping.