Toggle (also known as feature flags or a toggle switch) is a user interface element that lets users update settings, preferences, and other state-based information. When designed well, they can be an effective alternative to radio buttons or checkboxes in a number of cases.
When used correctly, toggle switches can provide a clean, intuitive way for users to change the state of an object. However, they can also create confusion if they are not used appropriately. To avoid introducing this confusion, consider carefully how you use toggles in your design and deploy them strategically. When using them, make sure the labels are clear and that the current toggle state is easily distinguished from the previous one.
A primary visual cue for toggles should be a color or other form of contrast that identifies the active state. However, the exact color that is best at identifying the active state may be a matter of personal preference. For example, some designers like to use embossment as the main cue, but it proved to be unreliable at communicating this distinction. Instead, it is generally recommended to pair embossment with another strong visual cue, such as a bold-thin combination or different font sizes.
Similarly, it is important to limit the number of toggles that a team uses in any given page or application. This ensures that the toggles don’t overshadow other content and is easier to debug if it becomes necessary. It can also help to reduce the amount of friction between your development and testing processes. For example, using toggles allows developers to release new features in code sprints even while the corresponding test and QA process is still underway, which would be very difficult under more traditional waterfall approaches.
