Input Mode and Control Matching

Principle

The wrong control adds cognitive cost and makes reversibility unclear.

Design action

Choose checkbox, toggle, select, tabs, segmented control, or slider by input semantics; labels must clarify current value and impact.

Examples

Positive example: Filters, settings, parameters, and publishing visibility. Counterexample: Binary options use dropdowns.

Apply when

Filters, settings, parameters, and publishing visibility. Users need to adjust options quickly.

Source notes

Source note: Synthesized from Apple HIG, Material Design, GOV.UK/Polaris/Atlassian component practices, and interaction accessibility principles. Apple HIG Motion: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/motion Material Design Motion: https://m3.material.io/styles/motion/overview/how-it-works GOV.UK Design System Patterns: https://design-system.service.gov.uk/patterns/ Shopify Polaris Patterns: https://polaris-react.shopify.com/patterns Atlassian Empty State: https://atlassian.design/components/empty-state