Chip
Definition
A chip is a visual component in user interface design that encapsulates an item or an action in a compact form. Chips can represent various types of information, such as tags, contacts, or selected options, and are typically displayed as small, rounded rectangles with an optional close icon. They serve to enhance the organization and clarity of information presented to users, making complex interfaces more manageable and intuitive.
In UX design, chips play an essential role in enabling users to make selections, perform actions, or filter information efficiently. Their design is crucial in ensuring that they are easily recognizable and accessible, contributing to a seamless user experience. Chips can be interactive, allowing users to select or deselect options, and can also include additional features such as avatars or images to provide context.
Chips are particularly valuable in applications that involve categorization or filtering, such as email clients, content management systems, and e-commerce platforms. By utilizing chips, designers can convey information succinctly while providing users with the ability to interact with and manipulate that information directly.
Expanded Definition
The concept of chips emerged as a response to the need for more organized and visually appealing ways to handle information in user interfaces. Initially popularized by material design guidelines, chips have gained widespread adoption across various platforms and applications. Their design typically includes a background color, rounded edges, and a simple text label, which collectively creates a visually distinct element that stands out from the rest of the content.
Chips can be categorized into different types, including input chips, choice chips, and filter chips, each serving unique purposes within the user experience. Input chips allow users to input data or selections, choice chips enable users to select one or multiple options, and filter chips help users refine displayed content based on specific criteria. This versatility makes chips a powerful tool in enhancing usability and improving the overall interaction design.
Key Activities
Designing chip components to represent various types of information.
Implementing interactive functionalities like selection and deselection.
Testing different chip styles and arrangements for usability.
Integrating chips into forms and filters to enhance user interaction.
Gathering user feedback on chip usability and aesthetics.
Benefits
Enhances information organization and clarity in user interfaces.
Facilitates quick selections and filters, improving user efficiency.
Improves visual appeal and engagement within applications.
Supports responsive design, adaptable to various screen sizes.
Can provide contextual information, aiding user decision-making.
Example
For instance, in an e-commerce platform, chips might be used to filter products by categories such as 'Electronics', 'Clothing', or 'Home Appliances'. Users can click on these chips to quickly narrow down their search results, and the selected chips will typically remain visible, allowing users to easily see which filters are applied. Additionally, they can remove a chip by clicking the close icon, instantly updating the product list to reflect the change.
Use Cases
Filtering options in an online shopping interface.
Selecting tags in a content management system.
Displaying contact information in a messaging app.
Choosing preferences in a settings menu.
Highlighting selected items in a multi-select scenario.
Challenges & Limitations
Overloading the interface with too many chips can lead to visual clutter.
Ensuring accessibility for users with disabilities may require additional considerations.
Balancing aesthetics with functionality can be challenging.
Responsive design issues may arise when adapting chips to smaller screens.
Tools & Methods
Design software like Figma or Adobe XD for prototyping chip layouts.
Usability testing tools to evaluate chip interactions.
Code libraries such as Material-UI or Bootstrap for implementing chip components.
Accessibility evaluation tools to ensure chip usability for all users.
Analytics tools to track user interactions with chips.
How to Cite "Chip" - APA, MLA, and Chicago Citation Formats
UX Glossary. (2025, February 11, 2026). Chip. UX Glossary. https://www.uxglossary.com/glossary/chip
Note: Access date is automatically set to today. Update if needed when using the citation.