What is a button?

[Bosstone]

@Johnny_Bravo

Well, every single object in your computer UI is a… metaphor, I guess? The buttons aren’t real buttons, the desktop isn’t a real desktop, the folders aren’t real folder. They’re abstract representations of real things. In the case of buttons, they’re often textured to look like they’re raised or rounded. So I don’t think those really apply to the discussion.

I think that’s getting too literal. You press a thing, it does something. Functionally it’s a button regardless of what it looks like.

When I say metaphor, I’m talking about referring to something that isn’t functionally a button but might be described as such. Candy buttons, a belly button (outies, anyway), a nipple, or anything else that might also be referred to as a nub.

[Ike_Witt]

This thread needs a musical interlude.

[Autolycus]

This is a button: http://v10games.com/arcade/game-dontpushtheredbutton.htm

[typoink]

@Johnny_Bravo

Now, the thing on my PS3 requires me to apply force, so I would call it a flush button, like johnpost said.

On the other hand, the power button on my xBox doesn’t require any pressure. All I have to do is brush my finger over it very lightly and the machine will turn on. I’d never thought about it before, but I think I wouldn’t actually call it a button. I guess “touch-activated switch” works as well as anything, but I wonder if there’s already a better word.

Huh. The buttons on my PS3 require no force; they’re capacitive sensors and I can lightly brush them. The power button on my Xbox 360 is a physical button. I clicks.