Toggle is a user interface component that allows users to update preferences, settings and other types of data. Toggles are commonly used for “on/off” switches and provide immediate results after a user “flips” them.
As designers, we often want to use toggles to simplify complex interfaces. However, they can be a tricky design element to get right. Toggles are most effective when they have direct labels, adhere to standard visual design and deliver instant results. To help you create a more intuitive and effective toggle, here are some tips:
Default toggles need to display both label text and state text to ensure that users can understand what the switch does, even when it is in its default state. Small toggles can be more compact in size and display a checkmark tick in the on state instead of label and state text to meet accessibility requirements, while still allowing users to understand what the switch does.
Labels should be short and direct. Toggle switches should have one or two words that describe what the control will do when switched on (the on state) and what it is currently in (the off state). They should also be written in plain language so users who are non-native English speakers can understand them.
When creating a toggle, consider using a shape that will be easy for users to recognize and interact with, such as a circle or square. This will help reduce the cognitive load on users. Additionally, consider using a high-contrast color to signal a toggle’s current state — a good rule of thumb is that the on and off states should differ by at least one or more pixels in brightness.
Avoid using toggles for settings that aren’t binary in nature or don’t provide immediate application — they can be confusing for users and may require them to click or tap another button to confirm the new state. If a toggle is required for an action that would otherwise be accomplished with a Save or Confirm button, it should be replaced with a regular checkbox to avoid the additional cognitive burden on users.
Toggle switches can cause significant performance impact if they are left idle in production code. To help mitigate this, it’s best to deploy feature toggles sparingly and to have a process for vetting when they are appropriate. Ideally, you should clean up toggles quickly and never have more than a few of them sitting idle in your production codebase at any given time.
When naming feature toggles, it’s best togel macau to name them with a descriptive adjective, such as “no cookies” or “active” — this way, it’s clear what the switch does and how it differs from other options in the interface. In addition, this helps developers track what state the toggle is in and makes it easier for other teams to identify and understand what the toggle does. This is especially important when the toggle is shared across teams or departments.