In computing, toggle refers to switches that have two possible states. These states are typically on or off for a particular preference or setting, and they often only require a simple click or press of a button.
The term toggle also implies that a toggle is the only switch that can be used to change the state of an option or preference, unlike checkboxes which have multiple possible states. Toggle switches are commonly found in settings menus and options lists throughout most applications and websites.
Toggle Switches are a great way to change settings or preferences on mobile devices because they take up less screen estate and provide more visual feedback than a radio button. They are also a good choice for user-facing controls that may need to change quickly and frequently, especially when there is a delay in the system’s ability to process changes to a specific state.
When Toggle Switches are used, it’s important to provide direct labels that describe the options and states of the toggle switch in a clear manner. Labels should be short and direct, and limit the number of words used to describe the state or option of the switch.
Colors are an essential part of a toggle’s visibility and should be chosen with care. Low-contrast colors are difficult to read, and can cause users to miss information or be confused about the current state of a toggle. On the other hand, high-contrast colors signal that a state has changed and can help to reduce confusion.
A Toggle’s Visual Design Should Be Standard
In general, it is preferable to use a standard design for all toggle switches on a website or app. This will ensure consistency across devices and platforms, and allow you to create a consistent experience for your audience.
Toggles should be displayed as sliders and sized accordingly to give users the most visual feedback when changing the switch’s state. They should also include visual cues such as movement and color, which can help to convey information about the state of the toggle switch and its position on the screen.
It’s also a good idea to incorporate a small animation of the toggle switch moving from one state to another when it is clicked or pressed on, allowing users to see the effect of their action on the display without having to wait for a long time for it to happen.
Removing Feature Toggles When They Are No Longer Needed
Savvy teams recognize that Feature Toggles come with a cost and seek to keep their toggle inventory as small as possible. This means that they should always remove a toggle that is no longer needed whenever a new version of the release is rolled out, or if it’s no longer in use by any other team on the organization.
