Switches or Checkboxes in UI Design

Are you familiar with moments when you want to select an option or make a decision within an app or website, only to find yourself confused by the various elements? Don't worry, we've all been there.

Today, we'll dive into the world of user interface elements and shed some light on the differences between Switch, Checkbox, and Radio buttons.

Tapping a toggle switch is a two-step action: selection and execution, whereas a checkbox is just a selection of an option and its execution usually requires another control.

Definition

Switches: The Switch is a digital element that excels at offering binary choices. With a simple flick, it toggles between two states - 'on' and 'off.'

Checkboxes: The Checkbox is a versatile UI element that enables users to make multiple, non-exclusive selections.

Choosing the Right Control: Switch or Checkbox

In the world of design, the decision between a switch and a checkbox isn't just about their functions. It's about the context.

Consider whether a setting should take an instant effect or if users need to review their choices before applying them.

In the world around us, objects may share common functions, yet they're not universally interchangeable. It's the subtleties, those delicate details, that matter in the specific context. Designers must remain attentive to these distinctions; neglecting them may lead to the misuse of these elements.

When to Use It

Switches: Employ the Switch when immediate, straightforward binary decisions are required, such as enabling or disabling features.

Checkboxes: Utilize Checkboxes when users need to choose multiple items from a list or when options aren't mutually exclusive.

Sample of Use Cases

Case: Conformation of settings

Opt for Checkboxes when:

• User confirmation is necessary for applied settings before submission.
• Defined settings demand a specific action (e.g., Submit, Save, Next, Apply) prior to displaying results.
• Additional user steps are required for changes to take effect.

Case: Immediate response

Opt for Switch when:

• Immediate feedback on applied settings is needed without extra action.
• The setting involves a binary choice (on/off, show/hide) to reveal results.
• Users must perform swift actions without requiring a review or confirmation step.

Case: Nested list

Opt for Checkboxes when:

• When dealing with multiple sub-options grouped under a parent option, it becomes necessary to introduce an intermediate selection state. This state signifies that some, but not all, of the sub-options within the group are selected.

Case: One single option

Opt for Checkboxes when: (Choice)

• It offers a straightforward binary choice.
• Users can select or deselect just one option with a clear meaning.

Opt for Switch when: (Decision)

• It's designed for scenarios where a single selection is needed, and you want to provide two options for an on/off decision.

Case: Multi Choices

Opt for Checkboxes when:

• Users have multiple options and need to select one or more of them.
• Clicking individual toggle switches one at a time, with delays between each click, would result in unnecessary time consumption.

Case: Related Items

Opt for Checkboxes when: (Related)

• Users have to select option(s) from a list of related items.

Opt for Switch when: (Independent)

• The user is toggling independent features or behaviors, and you want to offer two options for an on/off type of decision.

Conclusion

Creating an engaging user interface is crucial for designers. Differentiating between checkboxes and switches, knowing when to apply them, following best practices, understanding use cases, and making informed choices leads to user-friendly, functional, and intuitive interfaces.

References:

• When to Use a Switch or Checkbox
• selection controls material
• Toggle switch guidelines. NNG