A toggle is a button, switch or other control that allows users to change between two options. They are often used for things like enabling or disabling features. Traditionally, toggle switches are found in hardware such as keyboards, but they also appear in software programs, including browsers and operating systems.
Toggles are often used to help with usability, but they can also cause confusion for users. Toggle switches require clear labels, and it is important that they are easy to read and understand. They should clearly state what will happen when the toggle is pressed and what the current state of the toggle is. Additionally, it is helpful to use high-contrast colors in order to make it easier for users to distinguish the toggle state.
One of the biggest problems with toggles is that they are not very accessible for people with disabilities. Many developers and designers do not consider accessibility when they create their toggles, which leads to inaccessible interfaces for some users. Toggle switches can be difficult for people with blindness or other vision impairments to see, especially if the switch is not in a prominent position on the page. In addition, some toggles are poorly labeled, which can further confuse users.
The best way to avoid these issues is to create toggles that are visible for all users, regardless of their abilities. This can be done by using a large size and using color to signal the toggle state. It is also recommended to include a descriptive text on the toggle to further clarify its purpose.
Ideally, toggles should not be used in forms where the user must click or otherwise interact with a Save or Confirm button in order for changes to take effect. Instead, they should be used in places where immediate results are needed. If it is necessary to use toggles in a form, a good practice is to pair them with checkboxes in order to provide an additional confirmation step for the user.
When creating a Toggle Item, there are several advanced options that can be enabled by clicking the gear icon. These include options for positioning, responsiveness and animation & delay.
Toggles can be an effective tool for managing the complexity of a product or website, but they must be carefully designed and implemented in order to be effective. By following the tips in this article, you can create well-designed toggles that are easy for users to manage and understand.
When creating a feature toggle, it is important to test the toggle configuration that will be live in production. This includes all toggles that will be flipped On, as well as any fallback configuration that will be triggered by a toggle being flipped Off. In addition, many teams will perform some tests with all toggles flipped On in order to prevent any surprises when they roll out a new release.