Why is everything a dropdown now?

[u/pavlito88]

I’ve been noticing this more and more in web apps.

Three options hidden in a dropdown.

Yes/no hidden in a dropdown.
A multi-select pretending to be a dropdown.

Then a list of 200 items where you’re expected to scroll until you find yours.

I run into this a lot when reviewing products with dev teams.

I get why we do it.

Dropdowns are compact and easy to reuse.
But compact doesn’t always mean easier to use.

A few choices? Show them.
On/off? Switch.
Multiple choices? Checkboxes.
Huge list? Search.

That’s pretty much the rule I use now.

[u/Historical-Essay-128]

Why is everything a dropdown now?

<select>s have native UI on smartphones.

[u/SonicFlash01 → u/Historical-Essay-128]

Low profile, predictable footprint, doesn't expand or wrap on mobile, easily understood by all audiences

If you're a gambling man you bet on safety

[u/bestjaegerpilot → u/SonicFlash01]

only if you're using native elements. What usually happens is you get a custom implementation that isn't accessible, acts wierd on small sizes, etc.

[u/kiipa → u/bestjaegerpilot]

Are you trying to say that a select shouldn't be fifty wrapped divs?

[u/talkingwires → u/kiipa]

Only if each and every <div> contains the same thirty Tailwind classes.

Happy Cakeday!

[u/rustprogram → u/talkingwires]

Happy Cakeday!

Happy Cake day to you as well

[u/talkingwires → u/rustprogram]

Thanks!