However, the next example isn't critical because it is likely to be intentional and its results are easily undone. In this example, a critical warning alerts users of potential irreversible data loss. The following is a good example of a critical warning because it meets the previously defined characteristics. Icons are not a way to decorate messages. Doing so draws attention to critical messages, makes critical and non-critical messages visually distinct, and is consistent with the Windows tone. To distinguish non-critical errors and warnings from critical ones, non-critical messages are usually displayed without an icon. They require correct handling now, because mistakes can't be easily fixed and may even be irreversible.They have unexpected or unintended consequences.User's time (a significant amount, such as 30 seconds or more).Privacy or control over confidential information.A valuable asset, such as data loss or financial loss.They involve potential loss of one or more of the following:.Critical errors and warnings have these characteristics: (Note that for accessibility reasons, this visual communication must always be redundant with another form, such as text or sound.) Users should be able to tell at a glance the nature of the information and the consequences of their response, so we must differentiate critical errors and warnings from their ordinary counterparts. Icons work best when used to communicate visually. While severity isn't a consideration when choosing among the error, warning, and information icons, severity is a factor in determining if a standard icon should be used at all. The main instruction text and icons should always match. Craft the main instruction or other corresponding text based on that focus, and then choose an icon (standard or otherwise) that matches the text. Typically, if an issue blocks the user from proceeding, it is presented as an error if the user can proceed, it's a warning. To determine the appropriate message type, focus on the most important aspect of the issue that users need to know or act upon. "You have configured Windows Internet Explorer to block unsigned ActiveX controls." (Phrased as a statement of fact.) "This page might not behave as expected because Windows Internet Explorer isn't configured to load unsigned ActiveX controls." or "Allow this page to install an unsigned ActiveX Control? Doing so from untrusted sources may harm your computer." (Both phrased as conditions that may cause future problems.) "This page cannot load an unsigned ActiveX control." (Phrased as an existing problem.) For example, suppose a Web page cannot load an unsigned ActiveX control based on the current Windows Internet Explorer configuration: Some issues can be presented as an error, warning, or information, depending on the emphasis and phrasing. So despite their difference in severity, "Incorrect font size" is an error, whereas "Continuing with this operation will set your house on fire" is a warning. Don't use warning icons as a way to "soften" minor errors. A condition that might cause a problem in the future.Ĭonsequently, an error message might take an error icon but never a warning icon. severityĬhoose standard icons based the message type, not the severity of the underlying issue. The remainder of this section explains how to think about standard icons in order to avoid these common mistakes. Doing so makes programs appear prone to hazard, and detracts from truly significant issues. Alarming users by giving warnings for minor issues or presenting routine questions as warnings.Using a standard icon when it is better to use no icon at all.Using a warning icon for minor errors.There are several factors in choosing the appropriate standard icon which in part explains why they are so often used incorrectly. Note: Guidelines related to icons are presented in a separate article. They are also commonly used on in-place messages and status bars. The standard icons are notable because they are built into many Windows application programming interfaces (APIs), such as task dialogs, message boxes, balloons, and notifications. The UI is presenting a condition that might cause a problem in the future. The user interface (UI) is presenting an error or problem that has occurred. The standard error, warning, information, and question mark icons. Standard icons are the error, warning, information, and question mark icons that are part of Windows. Much of the guidance still applies in principle, but the presentation and examples do not reflect our current design guidance. This design guide was created for Windows 7 and has not been updated for newer versions of Windows.
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