Toggle is a user interface element that allows a person to select between two opposing options (on/off, passive/active). It is commonly used on mobile devices when changing settings, preferences and other types of information. Toggles are often confusing and should be avoided when a simpler alternative exists. If a toggle switch is required for a specific user flow a better option is to use a checkbox or radio button and rely on JavaScript and the aria-pressed attribute to signal its state.
A toggle can also refer to a type of rod that is sewn into something such as a jacket, bag or coat, and pushed through a hole, loop or frog to fasten it. It can also refer to a component of a machine, such as a part that switches between two functions.
On a web page, the toggle is usually a button with an icon and text that indicates its current state. It is a common design pattern that is widely used in many applications and websites. While toggles are often considered a “best practice” by designers and developers they can be very difficult for users to understand. They can be confusing, visually ambiguous and difficult to press correctly. This can result in a high error rate and frustration for the end user.
In order to improve usability, toggles should be clearly labeled and have a standard visual appearance. They should also be easy to click in the correct direction and provide immediate results. In addition, a toggle should be positioned in the right place on the screen and should not obscure important content or elements.
The main reason to use a toggle is to provide a quick and easy way for visitors to change a page or app setting. A toggle is a great way to avoid a long scrolling or pagination structure and it can be placed at the top of an article, in a sidebar or as part of the navigation menu. It can even be placed inside a popup.
Another reason to use a toggle is for a specific user flow, such as when the user is asked to confirm whether or not they want to delete their data from an application. Toggles are often found on privacy pages and can help to minimize the amount of form fields that the visitor needs to fill in.
Often the decision to use a toggle is based on the fact that it can be switched on and off more easily than other elements such as checkboxes or radio buttons. However, this comes with the downside that the toggle may be cognitively problematic. This is because a toggle does not have an empty state and it can be difficult to determine if it is in the default or active state.
Additionally, if the toggle is in the default state it can confuse the visitor by giving them the impression that it is already enabled or activated. To prevent this issue, the toggle should be explicitly labeled and an animation or other visual cues can be added to indicate the current state. In addition to avoiding confusion, it is necessary to make toggles accessible in order to ensure that they are reachable for people with disabilities.
