0

Im wondering if anyone has any research or experience on how dropdown menus or selects perform compared to dropdown menus with radios controls inside.

I'm considering using them for a filter bar as I already use checkboxes inside dropdown menus rather than use a multi-select as checkbox let the user know they can select more than 1 option.

Airbnb, Google, Shopify, Facebook have started using menus with radios rather than use selects.

example

2 Answers 2

2

A dropdown with checkboxes makes sense when the user wants to select multiple items. This is a pattern you see all the time with filters for example.

A dropdown with a radio does not make any sense to me. Radio buttons should be used when the user can only select one item which is the default behavior of a dropdown. So adding the radio buttons to the dropdown menu is redundant and may add confusion.

0
1

I have no research, but good reasons: If you show radio buttons and checkboxes the users immediately see how the selection works inside that dropdown.

If you offer a checkbox outside this is a bit more complicated and users have to know how to select multiples, change the selection, etc.

To users who are familiar with conventional dropdowns the radio buttons may be overdone/unnecessary, but they do not hinder them in any way.

So: for a broad range of users I'd go for the checkbox/radio button version.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.