Toggle is a simple user interface component that enforces a mutually exclusive state, on or off. When used correctly it allows visitors to quickly update preferences, settings and other types of information with immediate results. Toggle switches should be clearly labeled and use standard visual design elements to provide a consistent experience across the site or app.
Feature toggles support dev teams as they write new features. Rather than creating a new branch for the feature, the team generates a release toggle in the master codebase that leaves their work inactive but can be pushed to production to meet delivery targets. This allows the team to get the feedback of real users while they complete their work.
Toggles are generally easier for users to understand than checkboxes. However, they can still be difficult to understand in some situations due to a variety of cognitive issues. A primary problem is that users are unable to discern the active state of a toggle switch from its inactive one. This is a common usability issue that can be resolved by using visual cues like color changes to indicate the toggle’s state change. A secondary problem is that many toggles are positioned poorly on the screen or are not responsive to smaller screens. This can be resolved by using a collapsible toggle element or by providing alternative text for screen readers.