In loving memory of square checkbox (tonsky.me)

Article summary

The article discusses the evolution of checkboxes and radio buttons in operating systems, highlighting the traditional distinction between square checkboxes and round radio buttons. However, with the rise of the web and modern design trends, this convention has been increasingly abandoned, leading to confusion among users. The article specifically criticizes Apple's decision to use round checkboxes in their new visionOS. This change marks a departure from a decades-long tradition in UI design.

Main themes

• UI design evolution
• Checkbox and radio button conventions
• User experience and accessibility
• Modern design trends
• Traditional vs. modern UI
• User interface clarity and usability

What commenters say

• The traditional distinction between square checkboxes and round radio buttons is important for user interface clarity and should be maintained.
• Modern design trends, such as the use of toggles, can be confusing and inaccessible for some users, particularly seniors.
• The abandonment of traditional UI conventions is driven by a desire for novelty and aesthetics rather than usability.
• Toggles can be a better choice than checkboxes in certain situations, but their design can be flawed if the on and off states are not clearly indicated.
• The use of Material Design and other modern UI trends can be alienating for older users who are accustomed to more traditional interfaces.
• The shift towards more minimalist and flat UI designs can make it difficult for users to discern what is clickable and what is not.
• The race for UX/UI novelty is leaving behind certain groups of users, such as seniors, who may struggle to adapt to new and unfamiliar interfaces.