Checkboxes and Radio Buttons. Do they create confusion for users? – USABLES | Blog

Checkboxes and Radio Buttons often cause users confusion if not used correctly.

These components are sometimes used in the same context and although the developers know the differences thanks to their work, many users who use the digital products do not know them and they cause great confusion.

Users simply read through the options and select the options they want. They focus on the option labels or texts, not on the functionality of the components.

These two components are not able to show their differences through their visual appearance or in a clear way to users. For them, both components are option selectors without understanding what functionalities and restrictions apply.

Incorrect use of Checkbox or Radio Button causes confusion, increases cognitive load and leads to poor user experience when they intend to execute option selection tasks.

What are checkboxes and how are they used?

As for the UI design of the Checkbox, it is represented as a small square in the interface. It has two states: checked or unchecked. In the field of IT or development it would be: True or False.

Checkboxes are used when you want to present the user with a set of options from which the user himself can choose the amount he wants to complete the specific task he is executing.

Each checkbox or option is independent from the rest of the options in the list, so checking one option does not uncheck or exclude the others.

What are Radio Buttons and how are they used?

The Radio Button appears as a small circle on the screen or interface. It has two states and when selected or checked the circle is filled with a solid dot.

Unlike checkboxes, this component limits the user’s choice to a single option from the list of options provided to them. That is, selecting an option unchecks an option already selected and excludes the rest.

Key aspects and recommendations to use Checkboxes or Radio Buttons in an interface

Below we can find some of the guidelines defined by Jakob Nielsen in an about the Checkboxes and Radio Buttons:

• Use a standardized visual representation of components. A Checkbox should be a small square with a check mark when selected while a Radio Button should be a small circle that when selected will have a solid circle inside it.
• Present the list of options as a group of options. That is, each of the options must be separated but not too much. Visually, the user must understand that they are all part of the list.
• Use subheadings to divide a very long list of options into logical groups of options. This will help users to understand and scan the different options much faster. In the event that the list is Radio Buttons, this is not recommended.
• The list of options with either Checkboxes or Radio Buttons must be vertical with one option per line. If the options are placed horizontally, it is necessary to leave enough space between each option to make it clear to the user which label corresponds to each option.
• Whenever Radio Buttons is used we must have one of the default and selected options.
• When using Radio Buttons for options, make sure that all the options the user needs are covered. For example, in a form or survey, it is always advisable to give the other option complemented with a Text-area or writing field.
• Allow the user to select the option whether they click on the button (square or circle) or on the label (text of the option).

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