Dropdown
A UI element that reveals a list of options when activated, typically by clicking.
Definition
A dropdown (or select menu) is an input element that displays a list of options when activated. The selected option typically displays in the collapsed state. Dropdowns conserve space but hide options until interaction.
Modern dropdowns may include search, grouping, and multi-select capabilities.
Why It Matters
Dropdowns are ubiquitous UI elements that can significantly impact form completion rates. Poorly designed dropdowns frustrate users, while thoughtful implementations improve data quality.
The choice between dropdown, radio buttons, or other inputs depends on the number of options and context.
Examples in Practice
A country selector dropdown with 200+ options includes a search field to help users find their country quickly.
A form replaces a dropdown with radio buttons when there are only three options, reducing clicks.
A multi-select dropdown lets users filter products by multiple categories simultaneously.