Toggle is a user interface control that allows people to change the state of settings, views, or content. It typically has two states—on and off—and is usually used in place of a checkbox because it takes less screen space. The state of a toggle is determined by various conditions, including fitness test results from other features in the codebase, a setting in feature management software, or variables provided by a config file. Using a toggle also makes it easier to use for mobile because it requires fewer clicks than a checkbox.
Applying toggles to your development process supports newer agile approaches that allow you to release a feature before it is fully tested or even complete. Toggle switches are especially useful when you need to let users test a new feature without altering the existing product experience. For example, you might have a toggle that enables or disables airplane mode, which would normally require a code branch and extensive testing before it was ready to be merged back into trunk code.
When using toggles, make sure that they are clearly labeled and consistent across pages and apps. Choose a visual design that communicates the toggle’s state and be sure to provide clear, direct labels. Consider implementing a color change or animation to signal that the toggle’s state has changed. Be aware of societal and cultural implications, especially when selecting colors for state descriptors—for instance, using red may be counterintuitive for people who associate it with stop lights or traffic signals.
