A toggle is a hardware or software switch that alternates between two electronic, mechanical, or computer-related options. For example, the Caps Lock and Num Lock keys on a keyboard are toggles to enable or disable specific functions. The same concept applies to options menus in most applications, where the user can turn on or off various menu items. The word is also used figuratively to refer to the action of shifting back and forth between two things. For example, “I like to toggle between a book and a movie.”

Unfortunately, toggles are not well-suited for the web, at least when it comes to accessibility. Toggle switches are notoriously confusing for users, especially if the labels on the toggle aren’t clearly aligned with the current state of the switch. This is the case for most toggles online. For instance, the top toggle looks like a regular checkbox to most users, but actually means “cookies” because it has a label on it. The same is true of most toggles that rely on color to convey their state, because colors can be difficult to interpret for people with color vision deficiency.

Toggle Magazine is a digital trade journal focusing on the vital role that technology plays in companies and organizations, as well as the men and women who lead their IT departments. We cover the unique challenges of these positions, from data privacy and cybersecurity to cloud solutions and emerging technologies. In addition, we provide an inside look at the strategic partnerships these leaders form with their vendors and service providers, which are so critical to organizational success.