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A toggle is a control element that enforces a mutually exclusive state, allowing users to choose one of two states (on or off). Toggle switches are often used as checkboxes in user interfaces, and can be helpful for implementing responsive design. However, they can also be confusing for some users if not implemented properly and consistently.
When designing toggles, it’s important to remember that they should communicate their state clearly and quickly to users. Use consistent visual design, direct labels and a meaningful color change when the toggle’s state changes to avoid confusion. It’s also critical to consider societal and cultural implications of the colors you use, as they can influence how a toggle is perceived.
Additionally, it’s best practice to test every toggle configuration that will eventually be deployed to production. This includes the current toggle configuration as well as any toggles you intend to release flipped On. Some teams even go as far as testing the fallback configuration, which is a toggle flipped Off. This helps to mitigate the risk of regressions and ensure that new features are not introduced into production without thorough testing.