Unusual Toggles (case study)
Alex Tatu
Introduction
UX/UI is evolving.
We’re moving beyond standard patterns and familiar components, into a space where even the smallest interaction can express character, emotion, and intent.
Unusual Toggle is a self-initiated design series built on that belief.
The challenge?
Create emotion and surprise through limitation, not complexity.
What began as a personal experiment grew into a visual journal of interaction design—where minimalism meets motion, and subtle gestures carry meaning.
This isn’t about making toggles look different. It’s about rethinking how we design microinteractions and what they can communicate.
Objective
Rethink what toggles can be.
Use only 2 interactive states.
Design every toggle component using a circular form.
Build everything using Figma.
Share the process publicly to gather feedback and improve.
Design Process
• The journey began with visual exploration—pulling references and inspiration from hardware, handles, cosmic forms, and the precision of timepieces.
• Each toggle was built as a Figma component, using only native tools: masks, smart animate, shadows, and variables.
• As the series evolved, I shared each toggle publicly on X, using community feedback to guide the next iteration. The community didn’t just react—they helped shape the series.
The Unusual Toggles Collection
A visual archive of 12 unique toggle designs, each one with its own identity, built with only 2 states, and powered by pure Figma logic.
Tactile and grounded. A toggle designed to feel like something you physically grip and turn.
High-security tension in a minimalist shell. Inspired by the locking ring of a safe.
Inspired by the docking ring from Interstellar—precision, symmetry, and deep space stillness.
Inspired by old vinyl and reimagined with a minimal touch, where analog meets digital.
A switch that communicates safety and exposure in one clean movement.
Swiss Mode
Precision-engineered interaction. A toggle that feels like it came from inside a Swiss watch.
Visual rhythm meets functional control. Designed around sound, silence, and symmetry.
A toggle inspired by the universe. Switching between light and dark theme.
A pulse held by strings, tension meets spark. This toggle captures the feeling of restrained power ready to release.
A circular motion of lines that converge toward the center when toggled, creating a powerful visual of tension and control.
Like a circular door holding back light until it opens. Once toggled, the glow escapes with precision and purpose.
Community Involvement
Every toggle was shared publicly on X. Community feedback helped shape the design direction: from style preferences (light vs. dark) to favorites by vote. Feedback was never an afterthought; it was part of the design system.
Breaking away from convention is powerful, but never easy.
Working within strict limits unlocked unexpected creativity.
Sharing the process publicly didn’t just build momentum, it brought clarity, direction, and real connection.
Many designers showed interest in this project, and I hope it offered a spark of inspiration or a new perspective.
A follow-up series may be on the horizon—this time exploring skeuomorphic tactile toggles, where texture and realism take the spotlight.
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Posted Dec 2, 2025
Created a series of 12 unique toggle designs using Figma and shared for public feedback.
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