RoleMenu

rolemenu (often written as role menu) is a user interface element that presents a list of predefined roles a user can select to determine the set of permissions or access rights applied within a software system. It is commonly implemented as a dropdown, select control, or segmented control and may appear in authentication flows, profile settings, or administration panels.

In systems that use role-based access control (RBAC), the role menu allows authorized users to switch context or assign their active role for the session. This enables workflows where a single user account performs different tasks under different roles, such as author, editor, reviewer, or administrator, without logging out.

Design and accessibility considerations include clear labeling, showing the currently active role, keyboard navigability, and screen reader compatibility. Permissions should ultimately be enforced on the server side; role changes should be validated and audited, with changes recorded for security and compliance. If a role is not authorized, it should be disabled or hidden.

Variants include in-app role switches, dynamic role lists pulled from a policy store, or role selectors embedded in menus, toolbars, or profile menus. In web and mobile applications, role menus often synchronize with a central directory or identity provider and reflect current policy updates in real time.

Limitations and considerations include potential confusion for users with multiple roles, the need for clear indication of the active role, and ensuring that role changes do not bypass existing permission checks.