Toggle is a user-interface element that allows users to update preferences, settings and other types of information. When toggles are used well, they provide immediate results and are easy to use. However, they can be problematic if not handled correctly. In this article we explore some of the key cognitive issues around toggles and offer some tips for designing and implementing them in a way that improves user experience.
Toggles are often confused by users because of the ambiguity inherent in their visual design. When a toggle has two possible states (on or off) it’s important to make it clear which is the current state. This can be done with clear labels or by using a state descriptor such as the words On or Off next to the toggle. Also, the contrast between the current and the previous state should be high. Finally, users should be able to see the toggle’s current state clearly without having to click anything.
Another issue is that most web developers and designers don’t have a good understanding of accessibility and therefore often make toggles inaccessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies. Toggles are typically created with a dark background and white text which makes them difficult to read for users with colorblindness or other impairments. To avoid this problem, consider using a light background and a darker text color and add a descriptive tooltip if necessary.
Finally, it’s important to note that the concept of a toggle is not necessarily limited to GUI elements but can be applied to any type of control with two possible states. For example, hardware such as a keyboard’s Caps Lock and Num Lock keys are toggles in that they are both off by default but can be turned on by pressing them. In general, however, toggles are most often found in software as part of options or settings menus.
The word “toggle” is derived from the verb tog*gle which means to move or switch between two positions. The earliest known usage of the word dates back to 1720 and was in reference to a toggle iron that fastened a cloth or piece of canvas. More recently, the word has been used in both technical and informal contexts to mean to shift between two or more modes, such as switching between a light and dark mode on an appliance.
In terms of user-interface design, toggles are most useful when used to enable a simple choice between two opposing states. When this is the case, it’s generally preferable to use checkboxes or radio buttons if possible, as they are less confusing and require no click for changes to take effect. However, if toggles are used in longer forms and the user needs to press a Save or Confirm button for their changes to take effect, it may be best to replace them with a standard form field so that users can always get instant results.
