Toggle is a control that allows people to switch between two opposing states. The toggle is typically characterized by an icon that communicates its purpose and a visual cue to indicate the current state, and it can be styled in different ways across platforms. Toggle controls are generally more effective than buttons, and they can help users better understand the underlying behavior of an interaction. However, toggles present some cognitive challenges that can lead to confusion and frustration for users. This article discusses how to use toggles in a way that reduces these difficulties.
A toggle is a type of switch that allows the user to select between two states, such as on and off. It is often shaped like a slider with an on/off label, but it can also be a circle or other shape that has either a solid or empty background. Its primary function is to provide an easy-to-understand visual indicator of the status of the control. Toggles can be used to enable a feature in the background, or to provide alternative navigation for a page or application. Toggles are especially useful in complex applications where multiple options are available.
One of the biggest problems with toggles is that they can confuse the user by appearing to change state when they are not actually changing anything. This can be exacerbated when the toggle is not accompanied by a clear explanation of what it will do when clicked or activated, and it can even occur when an unlabeled toggle appears. To avoid this problem, it is important to clearly identify what the toggle will do and use visual cues (such as movement or color) to help the user understand its current state.
In addition to confusing the user, toggles that use the same color to indicate both the active and inactive state can cause problems. In particular, low-contrast colors can make it difficult for users to discern which of two options is currently selected. Additionally, using the same color can imply that the toggle is active when it is not, which can cause confusion and frustrate the user. To avoid this problem, it is best to use a high-contrast color for the active state and a light gray for the inactive state.
It is also recommended to use text to describe what the toggle will do when clicked or activated. This can be helpful for users who are unfamiliar with the feature, or for those who need more explicit instruction on how to use it. Providing this text can be especially helpful for people who may be using the toggle in another language. For example, in the case of an exhibit with several cameras, a descriptive label can explain which camera the toggle will control when clicked or activated. This will allow users to more easily determine which camera they would like to view from the interface. This can prevent them from accidentally selecting the wrong one, and it can help them to feel more confident when using the control.
