Expand/Collapse Widgets

Example 1: Basic Expand/Collapse

An expand/collapse widget is a user interface component that allows users to show or hide content on demand. This helps in organizing information and improving the user experience by reducing clutter on the page.

These widgets are commonly used in:

  • FAQ sections
  • Navigation menus
  • Product descriptions
  • Accordion interfaces

Example 2: Plus/Minus Style

Expand/collapse widgets offer several advantages for web design and user experience:

Improved Readability: Users can focus on the information they need without being overwhelmed by too much content at once.
Space Efficiency: More content can fit on a single page without excessive scrolling.
Better Organization: Content is structured in a logical, hierarchical manner.

Example 3: Minimal Style

This expand/collapse widget is implemented using pure HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The key components are:

  • HTML Structure: A button for toggling and a div with class "details" for the collapsible content
  • CSS Transitions: Smooth animations using max-height transitions and transform effects
  • JavaScript: Simple toggle function that adds/removes the "open" class
  • Accessibility: Semantic HTML and keyboard navigation support

The design is fully responsive and works across all modern browsers.

Example 4: Multiple Sections

When implementing expand/collapse widgets, consider the following design principles:

  • Use clear visual indicators (arrows, plus/minus signs) to show expandable content
  • Provide smooth animations for better user experience
  • Ensure the widget is accessible via keyboard navigation
  • Make buttons large enough for easy clicking on mobile devices
  • Consider the default state - what should be expanded initially?

Example 5: Rich Content

Follow these best practices to create effective expand/collapse widgets:

1. Keep Headers Concise: Use clear, descriptive text that hints at the hidden content.
2. Maintain State: Consider preserving the expanded/collapsed state if users navigate away and return.
3. Performance: For large amounts of content, consider lazy loading to improve page load times.
4. Mobile First: Ensure the widget works well on touch devices with appropriate touch targets.