Radio Buttons are UI elements that allow users to choose only one option from a mutually exclusive selection set. If users want to choose additional options, it will automatically leave the initial choice empty.
The Radio Button UI element appears in the form of circular shapes and has two states – checked or unchecked. When the checkbox is selected, it is filled with a corresponding symbol – whether it is a checkmark, a solid dot, or other relevant icons. These serve as visual confirmation to users that their selection has been done.
When To Use a Radio Button in UI Design - Best Practices
Radio Buttons are used when users have to select only one item:
When A Selection is A Must
Using a radio button it will make users select an option and won’t be able to deselect it anymore. They will be able to change their selection and choose another item, but it won’t allow them to leave the selection empty.
When A Quick Response is A Priority
The Radio Button can be used when users should finish the form fast. With radio buttons, they have better visibility when scanning the user interface. This is useful in longer forms, where users must quickly scan multiple questions and options.
When Fewer Than Five Options
Radio buttons are useful when the form has less than five options. When there are more than five items, use a drop-down menu instead, as it won’t clutter the interface and won’t visually overwhelm the user with too many options.
How To Use Radio Button in UI Design
Behavior
When selected, a radio button can instantly activate the action requested or might require the confirmation of a user to activate the state. If users want to choose additional options, it will automatically leave the initial choice empty.
States
Radio buttons have two states: checked and not-checked. The checked status represents a user selected a specific item and appears with a corresponding symbol. The not-checked status indicates that a user has not selected this item and appears unfilled.
Anatomy
Question: The question users must answer;
Selected Radio Button: The selected option;
Radio Buttons: Other options that have not been selected;
Labels: The content representing a possible answer.
Content
The labels of radio buttons should be short and clear so that users can easily scan through the text. Unless necessary, stay away from full sentences or complicated phrases that require multiline items. Grouping options will also increase readability and scanability.
List items in a logical order – for example, lowest to highest, or vice versa. Only list alphabetically if items can’t be compared – for example, “Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato”.
Avoid overwhelming users with too many options. If more than five items are needed, consider other selectors than radio buttons.
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