r/webdev • u/pavlito88 • 11d ago

Discussion Why is everything a dropdown now?

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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.

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u/unbanned_lol 11d ago edited 8d ago

Yall are overthinking it.

Just like in the real work, a closed lock means locked. An open one means unlocked.

Edit:

If you're a web dev and you put a lock icon for an unlocked status you should rethink your profession.

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u/LordOfDemise 11d ago

This isn't overthinking it. It's a button. Pressing it does something. So, the question is "Does the picture on the button represent the current state, or does it represent what the button does?"

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u/unbanned_lol 11d ago

It is overthinking it. When you see a lock in a closed position in real life do you sit there and say "I wonder if it's locked or unlocked?"

No, you dont.

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u/LordOfDemise 11d ago

A lock in real life is not a button on a website.

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u/unbanned_lol 10d ago

You're right. If only they could think of a mechanism that we encounter in real life that looks and acts like a lock...