Write Clear Text and Messages 571

Step 8: Write Clear Text and Messages 571

system state, as it exists at that moment in time. Instructional messages, sometimes referred to as prompting messages, are messages that tell the user how to work with, or complete, the screen displayed. They may be provided in messages boxes and also within the screen itself.

System messages. System messages are of several types, each reflecting a different

purpose. The various platforms have developed standard message boxes, with standard components, for these different types. Message box elements include a standard icon to assist in fast recognition of message kind, the message itself, and standard command buttons. The types of message boxes in Microsoft Windows are shown in Figures 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3.

Figure 8.1: Informational message box from Microsoft Windows with icon, text, and button.

Figure 8.2: Warning message box from Microsoft Windows with icon, text, and button.

Figure 8.3: Critical message box from Microsoft Windows with icon, text, and button.

572 Part 2: The User Interface Design Process

Common message types are:

Status messages.

A status message is used for providing information concerning the progress of a lengthy operation. It usually contains a progress indicator and a short message describing the kind of operation being performed. It typically only possesses a Cancel button, to stop the operation being performed. Pause and Resume buttons may also be included, if desired.

Informational messages. Informational messages, also called notification messages, provide information about the state of the system when it is not immediately obvious to the user. They may confirm that non-obvious processing is taking place or is completed. They may also be used to provide intermediate feedback when normal feedback is delayed. This kind of message is usually identified by an “i” icon to the left of the message. In Microsoft Windows “i” is in a balloon. No user actions are normally necessary with these kinds of messages, although con- firmation that the message has been seen can be requested. A Microsoft Windows informational message box is shown in Figure 8.1.

Warning messages. Warning messages call attention to a situation that may be undesirable. They are usually identified by an “!” icon to the left of the message. The user must determine whether the situation is in fact a problem and may be asked to advise the system whether or not to proceed. A deletion request by a user is an action that commonly generates a warning message. When a user requests a deletion, a message asking for confirmation of the deletion is usually presented. A warning message can also be used for field edit error messages. A Microsoft Windows warning message box is illustrated in Figure 8.2.

Critical messages. Critical messages, sometimes called action messages, call atten- tion to conditions that require a user action before the system can proceed. A mes- sage describing an erroneous situation is usually presented as a critical message. Some inconsistency currently exists in the icons used to designate this kind of message. Some products use a “Do Not” symbol while others use a “Stop” sign. An X in a circle is used by Microsoft Windows. Additionally, one platform pro- vides the option of using a “?” icon if the user’s attention to the problem may not