Segmented Control

Segmented controls are used for changing the visualization of data.

Component checklist

Status

The status of the component

Ready for use!

Figma component

A link to the Figma library where the component lives.

Repository

A link to the repo where the component lives.

Usage


Best Practices

  • It is strongly recommended to only have up to 5 options within a segmented control.
  • The transition between visualization options should be immediate, and it should not direct to another page.
  • Since we are dealing with data visualization, one option should always be selected.
  • It is strongly recommended to only allow 1 state at a time.
  • Add hover, focus, and active states.
  • Do not resize the segmented control beyond its original constraints.
  • A segmented control with icons only should ALWAYS have tooltips on hover that explain better the context of the action depicted.

Dos and Don’ts


Do not use Segmented control for local navigation

Segmented controls are mainly used for changing the visualization of certain data; tabs, on the other hand, are used for local navigation.

Do
Segemented control with left, centre and right aligned text options.

Use the segmented control for data visualization settings.

Don't
Segmented control with navigation such as home, profile and settings as options.

Avoid using the segmented control for local navigation, use tabs instead.

 

Do not use Segmented controls as On/Off toggles

Segmented controls are mainly used to change the visualization of certain data; toggles, on the other hand, are used to alternate between two states.

Do
Icon only segmented control options to choose a type of chart.

Use the segmented control for data visualization settings or groups of actions.

Don't
Segmented control with 'on' and 'off' options.

Avoid using the segmented control to alternate between two states, use toggles instead.

Do not use Segmented controls for filters

Segmented controls are mainly used to change the visualization of certain data; filters, on the other hand, are used to show curated elements within that data.

Do
Icon only segmented control options to choose a type of chart.

Use the segmented control for data visualization settings or groups of actions.

Don't
Segmented control with options to shoe apple devices, android devices or all.

Avoid using the segmented control to hide/show specific elements within a group of data, use filters instead.

Keep content consistent

Do
Three consistent segmented controls, icon-only, icon+text, or text only per control.

Maintain the consistency of all the options within a segmented control.

Don't
One segmented control switching between icon-only, icon+text, or text only.

Do not alternate between different content types (Icons, labels, icons+labels) in a single segmented control.

Use clear labels

Do
Segmented control with concise and clear language with visual aids.

Use clear and to-the-point language.

Don't
Segmented control with text descriptions such as 'align to the left!' etc.

Limit the label length and do not use punctuation marks.

Use title case

Do
Segmented control with title case options.

Button labels should always be in title case.

Don't
Segmented control with all capitalised options.

Avoid using text formats aside from title case should not be used.