Toggle is a feature that allows for the switching on or off of one or more features in a product. This can be useful in reducing the risk of features and speeding up new release cycles by allowing for the quick deployment and rollback of experimental code.
A toggle can be implemented using a variety of frameworks, but they all work in the same way. A toggle consists of two states: the default state and the active state. When the toggle is clicked, it will switch between these states and the toggle will update its appearance based on its current state. Toggle switches can be used in almost any type of interface, but they are most often found in settings screens and preference menus. They can also be used in interfaces that use checkboxes or radio buttons, such as a list of options.
The most important aspect of a toggle is the clarity of its labels. Toggles should have clear, concise labels that describe what will happen when the toggle is switched on and what state it is currently in. Toggles that contain text on/off typically perform better than those with a simple label only. This is likely due to the fact that the users can read the toggle state without interacting with it.
When designing a toggle, it is essential that the user can tell what state the toggle is in just by looking at it. To achieve this, the toggle should be positioned in a prominent location and have an appropriate visual cue that communicates its current state. For example, a toggle switch that is currently off should have an empty icon and a color scheme that is clear to the user. Toggles that are currently on should be highlighted and have a different visual cue, such as an active status or a check mark.
Toggles are especially useful for teams working on agile development processes. They allow developers to work on features in parallel and can support techniques such as trunk-based development by hiding unfinished features with toggles, which speeds up new release cycles and allows the team to meet delivery targets. In addition, implementing toggles can help reduce merge issues by preventing new features from being activated until they are ready for production.
As a result, it is crucial that the team plan and commit to the process of toggling, and that they have the tools to ensure that they can make the best decisions for their product. This includes having a good understanding of the tools and practices that are available, and ensuring that they have access to real-time data about what users are doing with their products. By embracing toggling, and implementing proactive measures to manage them, a team can streamline feature releases, gather real-time user feedback and pave the way for continuous improvement.
