Abstract: A switchable optical element, a smart window having the same, and a method for switching between optical states of the element such that the optical element includes a pair of substrates disposed facing each other, and at least one cell arranged between the pair of substrates and filled with scattering particles. An electrode configuration is provided on the pair of substrates such that a first group of cell electrodes is interleaved with electrodes of a second group of cell electrodes on a face of a first substrate, and a third group of cell electrodes is interleaved with electrodes of a fourth group of cell electrodes on a face of a second substrate. Switching of the cell includes laterally transporting over at least a distance corresponding to two adjacent cell electrodes of one same cell electrode group and confining the scattering particles to a confinement region within the cell.