A toggle is a user-interface element that allows users to select mutually exclusive states. Toggles can replace dropdowns, radio buttons, and checkboxes in some cases. They are a good choice for selecting settings, preferences, or other information that requires immediate results. Toggles can also be used in places where a submit button is required for changes to take effect.
Toggles should always be labeled and provide clear visual cues. They should also be used wisely. Using toggles for situations that can be handled by other form elements—such as selecting options from a list—can lead to confusion for users. In these cases, it’s better to replace the toggle with a checkbox instead of adding an extra toggle for the same function.
It is important to use good contrast for the toggle’s color. Also consider the societal and cultural implications for each color—for example, red may not be appropriate for users who associate it with stop signs and traffic lights. It’s helpful to include state descriptors next to the toggle, so that it is clear what each state means.
Lastly, it is best to avoid feature toggles that control large swaths of the codebase. This can cause confusion for other teams, and is often difficult to debug when the toggle’s behavior changes over time. Generally, it’s more efficient to create a feature flag and use it to restrict access to certain features. That way, the team can make small changes to a few major branches without impacting everyone else’s work.
