A toggle is a switch that allows users to select between two states or options. It is a common user interface (UI) element, found in everyday technology devices and software applications, to enable users to update preferences and settings. Toggles are a great tool to use for validating new features with your audience before you roll them out to everyone. By putting the feature behind a toggle, you can easily roll it back or turn off when you encounter issues with a new release.
Toggles can be used to implement multivariate tests in your program. They bucket your audience into cohorts that are consistently sent down one or another codepath. By tracking the aggregate behavior of each cohort you can determine which version of a product is performing better.
When you create a toggle, be sure to include clear, direct labels and use standard visual design for the control. This helps your users understand what each button or switch does. Toggles should not be overly complicated; this can lead to confusion and frustration, especially if the user experiences unexpected results. Make sure the toggle is not ambiguous and clearly shows which state it is in, when the control is first activated. For example, a toggle with an “on” label on the left, and the word “off” on the right, can be confusing because it doesn’t always imply it is off. The opposite, an “on” label on the right and the word “off” on the left, makes sense because it implies it is off when pressed.
