Toggle is a simple user interface control that lets users update preferences, settings, and other types of information. When designed well, toggles can help minimize scrolling on a page and make it easier for visitors to find and consume content. However, when not carefully considered, they can cause confusion and overwhelm. To make sure toggles are used effectively, designers should evaluate context and use standard visual design guidelines when designing them.
A toggle switch, also known as a rocker switch, is a mechanical device that allows the user to choose one of two possible states. It is found in everyday technology devices like smartphones, tablets, and cars. A physical toggle switch is often found in the form of a small plastic or metal button that can be moved between positions to either turn the device on or off. Toggle is also a verb that means to move back and forth between different states or options, such as when a user toggles between watching TV and playing games on a smartphone.
When designing a toggle, it’s important to consider its color and any cultural implications that may come with it. For example, using the color red to indicate an on position can be counterintuitive for some users who associate the color with stop signs or traffic signals. It’s also important to ensure that toggle buttons are clearly labeled. In addition to the obvious On and Off, it’s important to include a visual indication that a state change is taking place such as a progress ring.
While a toggle can be used to enable features, it’s not recommended for progressive enhancement because it can quickly become confusing for users. Instead, progressive enhancement should be accomplished through the use of a menu or other alternative navigation mechanisms. A UI that uses progressive enhancement should be accompanied by an explanation of how the feature works, including any potential negative impacts that could occur if the feature is enabled.
It’s important to test all toggle configurations that your team intends to release into production. This includes the current production toggle configuration as well as a fallback toggle configuration with all toggles that your team intends to release flipped Off. Savvy teams also take a proactive approach to removing toggles that have been rolled out into production and set an expiration date on them.
Creating a toggle with the Advanced Options will allow you to set several attributes such as positioning, Responsive, Animation & Delay. This will let you customize the behavior of the toggle to fit your design. Toggle can be used for many things but it is particularly effective when paired with a collapsible section. It can be used to provide quick links to important sections of an article or to create an accordion that will display additional content when clicked.
It is important to keep in mind that toggles should only be used for binary actions that will happen immediately when a user clicks the toggle. It is not a good idea to use toggles for actions that will take longer to complete such as setting preferences or navigating between different sections of a website.
