Segmented Tabs
Segmented tabs are a UI component used to divide content into distinct sections, allowing users to switch between views or options without leaving the current page. They are commonly used in app interfaces for navigation and filtering.
Why Use Segmented Tabs in App Design?
Segmented tabs improve usability by:
Saving Space
Consolidating related options into a single, compact element.
Streamlining Navigation
Allowing users to switch between sections or filters quickly.
Enhancing Clarity
Clearly separating content categories or views.
Common Use Cases for Segmented Tabs
Content Switching
Example: Switching between “Posts,” “Comments,” and “Likes” in a social media profile.
Filtering Data
Example: Tabs like “All,” “Favorites,” and “Archived” in a file manager.
Changing Views
Example: Switching between “List View” and “Grid View” in a gallery app.
Data Presentation
Example: Tabs for “Daily,” “Weekly,” and “Monthly” reports in a dashboard.
Best Practices for Designing Segmented Tabs
Keep Labels Short and Clear
Use concise text that accurately describes each tab’s purpose.
Good: “Today | Week | Month.”
Bad: “Check Reports for Today | Weekly Trends | Monthly Data.”
Highlight the Active Tab
Use bold text, color changes, or underline styles to indicate the currently active tab.
Ensure Responsiveness
Design tabs to adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. On smaller screens, consider using a horizontal scroll for tabs.
Support Accessibility
Make tabs focusable and keyboard-navigable.
Use ARIA attributes like role="tablist" and aria-selected for better screen reader support.
Provide Smooth Transitions
Use animations to indicate the transition between content areas for better user experience.
Segmented tabs are a versatile UI component that can simplify navigation and improve the overall user experience in apps. By following best practices and leveraging Figma Kits and UI Kits, you can create intuitive, responsive segmented tabs that enhance your app’s usability.