As a UX or UI designer, you have likely used toggle switches in your designs before. However, it is important to pay attention to the questions that need to be answered with your design elements. Depending on the answers required from users, the toggle switch design might be the best option for your application.
Here are 8 tips to consider when using a toggle switch in your design:
1. Choose the Right Type of Toggle Switch
There are two types of toggle switches – single-pole and double-pole. Single-pole toggle switches come with a basic “On/Off” setting, while double-pole switches allow for more complex features like multiple settings, multiple outputs and dimmers. Consider what type of action or behaviour you need from the user when selecting the right type of toggle switch for your application.
2. Design For Accessibility
When designing for accessibility, remember that there is no one-size fits all approach. Keep in mind factors such as the size and shape of your toggle switch, as well as any contrast or visibility issues that may arise. Additionally, make sure to include an accessible label along with your toggle switches so users can identify their purpose.
3. Consider the Colour
Colour plays a big role in how the user interacts with a toggle switch. Choose colours that are not too bright or overpowering, but ones that provide enough contrast for the user to clearly distinguish between on and off states. Additionally, colour is also helpful for differentiating between multiple settings in double-pole switches.
4. Utilize Animations
Animations help give visual feedback when users interact with a toggle switch. This type of feedback allows them to immediately see if their action resulted in the desired outcome. Make sure to keep your animations simple and unobtrusive, as too much animation can become distracting and even overwhelming for users.
5. Think About Positioning
Toggle switches should be placed in a convenient location that is easy for users to find and interact with. Additionally, if you are using multiple toggle switches in your design, make sure they are placed far enough away from each other so they don’t overlap or become confusing to users.
6. Leverage Labeling
When it comes to labelling toggle switches, focus on making them descriptive yet concise enough so that their purpose is immediately clear to users. If possible, try to use language that corresponds with the action being taken (e.g. “On/Off” or “Enabled/Disabled”).
7. Show All Options
For double-pole switches, make sure to show all options available and clearly label them so users can easily select the one they need. Additionally, you should also consider providing a preview of what each option will do when selected, as this allows for better decision-making on the user’s part.
8. Provide Contextual Help
To ensure that users are able to use their toggle switches correctly, provide contextual help whenever possible. This could be in the form of tooltips or short snippets of text that explain why certain settings are important or how a particular toggle switch affects the overall design.
Using toggle switches in your designs should be a deliberate decision. By following these 8 tips, you can create user experiences that are both creative and functional. If implemented properly, toggle switches can provide users with an intuitive way to interact with your application and make their experience easier and more enjoyable.
With the increasing demand for better UX/UI design, it is important to consider the small details when designing for maximum efficiency. Toggle switches are just one example of how UX/UI designers can give their applications a unique edge by combining creativity and functionality. By following the 8 tips outlined above, you’ll be able to incorporate toggle switches into your applications in a meaningful way that sets them apart from the rest.