A toggle switch is a user interface component that lets users update settings, views, or content with one click. Toggles generally display a visual indicator that clearly communicates their state and deliver immediate results. They are typically used in situations where the user must choose between two opposing states, such as on/off or checkmark/uncheckmark. Toggle switches should always be clear about their purpose and context, and they should be labelled with visible, direct label text.
Toggles can also be helpful for creating a sense of hierarchy within an interaction. For example, a ‘Cancel’ button can be placed above a ‘Submit’ button to ensure that the user knows which action will take effect. However, it is important to avoid placing too many toggles in a row or column because they can confuse the user and result in more errors.
When using toggles, it is important to make sure that the user’s instincts are not tricked by design elements such as font size differences. In our tests, the toggle with the smallest difference in font size performed the best because it matched the user’s expectations and was easy to identify. In contrast, the toggle with the largest difference in font size significantly decreased performance and increased error rate.
It is also important to consider how long a toggle should remain in place. For example, if a feature is only accessible to premium users it may be appropriate to use a “Champagne Brunch” toggle that only lasts for a week or two. In other cases, a ‘Permissioning Toggle’ might need to be more permanent. In either case, it is important to send automatic PRs to remove the toggle once it has served its purpose.
Ultimately, toggles are useful tools for simplifying interactions and helping users stay focused on their task at hand. By following the guidelines in this article, you can create simple and intuitive toggles that allow users to quickly accomplish their goals. Additionally, by implementing toggles consistently across your site or app you can help ensure that all users have a consistent experience and that the most effective features are shown to the right people.
A version of this article originally appeared on the Wired UI blog.
This is a live demo of the Toggle component, powered by the Carbon framework.
Carbon bakes accessibility into its components, improving the experience for users who operate via keyboard. It also incorporates other accessibility considerations, such as hiding toggle contents when not in use.
The word toggle comes from the 18th century definition of “a pin passed transversely through an eye or loop in a rope, to bind it temporarily,” but it has become more commonly used as a verb meaning “to shift back and forth between two positions.”
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