Usability of toggles as a filter or sorting mechanism

Question

I looked up a website (page link here) and noticed this at the bottom of the page (one of the few times that I managed to scroll that far):

It shows a toggle being used to sort the comments added at the bottom of an article, which is something that I haven't seen before (at least used in this scenario).

This is a different pattern to the ones usually used for tables, i.e. dropdowns for filtering or header rows for sorting. I am thinking about the usability of this design pattern and whether it is something that has been specifically created for a mobile first design of a long page.

Any other similar implementation example that anyone has picked up from other types of sites?

Answer 1

I wanted to make a simple comment but I don't have the reputation yet ;). Apple is using this type of button (scope button) in some of its app's but its NOT the same way as your screenshot. Apple gave a fine explanation on how to use the scope button:

Clicking a scope button restricts the scope of content, such as search results, within the view... More here

I (personally) think scope buttons are very nice. They work exceptionally well on mobile (app's). Take a look at this screenshot from the photos app on an Iphone. The Years, Months, Days, All, are all a very clear example on how to use the scope button.

Hope it helped you! Greetings