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When used in software development, toggles allow developers to test new features and changes on a small percentage of users before making them available to everyone. They can be a great tool to use in more agile workflows to help avoid re-testing and re-implementing changes before they’ve had time to settle in.

The word toggle is derived from the term pin passed through an eye of a rope, used to hold it in place. The earliest known usage is from the 18th century, but it was later adopted to describe a kind of toggle switch found on many electrical devices. Today, toggles are often found on computer keyboards and are used to control a variety of settings.

In user interfaces, toggle buttons are commonly used to enable or disable functions like notifications and chat alerts. They can also be found on other types of interfaces, including mobile apps, where they can be used to change settings or adjust the flow of a process. The idea behind toggle buttons is that they are easy to use and provide clear feedback about their current state. However, if they’re not designed well, they can do more harm than good.

One of the biggest problems with toggles is that they rely on visual cues to indicate their state, like colors or checkboxes. This approach can be problematic because many people have color blindness and other forms of vision impairment. In fact, using toggles that rely on color to convey status is not only in violation of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), but it can be confusing or even impossible for people with these limitations to use.

Toggle buttons are also often difficult to read if they aren’t designed with proper size, color, and contrast. The smallest size, color, and contrast combinations are used on mobile devices, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the best option. In addition, many users prefer large text and simple icons over complex patterns or illustrations.

When creating a toggle, keep in mind the following best practices.