How to Build Inclusive Gender Selection with Jetpack Compose

Building inclusive user interfaces is a critical aspect of modern app development, ensuring that all users feel represented and respected. With Jetpack Compose, Android’s modern UI toolkit, developers have powerful tools to create dynamic and accessible interfaces. In this post, we’ll explore how to build an inclusive gender selection component using Jetpack Compose .

Why Inclusive Gender Selection Matters

Traditional gender selection fields often limit users to binary options like "Male" or "Female," which excludes non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals. To build more inclusive forms, developers should consider offering a broader range of options or allowing custom input. This not only improves user experience but also aligns with ethical and accessibility standards in software design .

Getting Started with Jetpack Compose

Jetpack Compose uses a declarative approach, allowing developers to describe the UI in terms of composable functions. These functions can be combined and customized to form complex layouts, including inclusive gender selection components. Before diving into implementation, ensure you’re familiar with basic Compose concepts such as @Composable functions, state management with remember, and modifiers for layout and appearance .

Implementing a Custom Gender Selection Component

One effective way to implement inclusive gender selection is by using a combination of text fields and radio buttons. This allows users to either select from predefined options or enter their own identity. Here’s a simplified example:

@Composable
fun GenderSelection() {
    var gender by remember { mutableStateOf("") }
    val options = listOf("Male", "Female", "Non-binary", "Other", "Prefer not to say")

    Column {
        Text("Select Gender:")
        options.forEach { option ->
            Row {
                RadioButton(
                    selected = gender == option,
                    onClick = { gender = option }
                )
                Text(option)
            }
        }

        if (gender == "Other") {
            OutlinedTextField(
                value = gender,
                onValueChange = { gender = it },
                label = { Text("Specify your gender") }
            )
        }
    }
}

This code snippet demonstrates a flexible UI where users can choose from standard options or provide a custom response when "Other" is selected .

Enhancing Accessibility and Usability

When designing inclusive components, it’s essential to consider accessibility. Use clear labels, ensure sufficient contrast, and make interactive elements large enough to tap easily. Jetpack Compose provides built-in support for many accessibility features through its modifier system, allowing developers to apply padding, content descriptions, and focus handling effortlessly .

Testing and Iteration

Once implemented, test the gender selection component across different devices and screen sizes. Jetpack Compose supports adaptive layouts, making it easier to optimize for phones, tablets, and foldables. Tools like the ConstraintLayout and Box composables help create responsive designs that maintain usability regardless of device type .

Conclusion

Creating inclusive UI components like gender selection fields is not just about technical execution—it’s about fostering a respectful and welcoming environment for all users. By leveraging the flexibility and power of Jetpack Compose, developers can build interfaces that reflect the diversity of their audience while maintaining high standards of usability and accessibility .