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Errors, warnings and notifications

General rules for messaging

  • Three parts of a message: 1. title 2. explanation 3. action
  • Title: Name which information or problem may/will occur
  • Explanation: Give a clear reason for the (potential) error and explain it’s consequences if the user ignores it
  • Action: Add clear instructions telling the user what to do next to resolve the error
  • Avoid 'Try again' and 'Contact administrator' if there is no good chance that this will solve the issue
  • Do not blame the user
  • Avoid using you and your only use passive voice as an exception
  • Do not repeat your message in title and explanation
  • Do not over communicate
  • Use a polite and encouraging tone
  • Keep it short
  • If detailed information is required, consider using progressive disclosure button
  • Provide specific names, locations and values of the objects involved
  • Show urgency through wording, e.g. “immediately” only if there are serious consequences from ignoring messages

Error messages

  • An error message alerts user of a problem that exists and must be addressed
  • Avoid using error or warning, as these words are superfluous in most cases

Do's

  • Form incomplete: Fill in all mandatory fields
  • (Input field validation) Invalid email address
  • Failed to delete device. Device still in use
  • Insufficient access rights: No access rights to delete {{fileName}}. Contact administrator
  • Page not found: Check address
  • (Input field validation) Max. 255
    (Input field validation) Min. 0
  • No Internet connection: Check connection and try again
  • Failed to upload file: Check source file and try again
  • File not found: Check if file is moved
  • (Skip title)
  • (Input field validation) Max. 30 characters
  • (Skip action)

Don'ts

  • What did you do!?
  • The email address you entered does not match the required format. Please enter your email address using the standard format.
  • You have failed to delete the device.
  • Permission error: To carry out this task, you need more permissions. Contact admin to change permissions.
  • Error 404
  • Value out of range.
  • System error: You're offline. Check your connection and try again.
  • File error: We cannot upload this file. Try uploading again.
  • File not found.
  • (Title) Input error
  • (Explanation) Input error detected.
  • (Action) Try again.

Warning messages

  • A warning message alerts users of a condition that may cause a problem in the future

Do's

  • Title: Unsaved documents
  • Explanation: Save all documents before leaving the app
  • Action: Save all (button)

Notifications

  • Notifications are informative and no actions are required from the user
  • Avoid using success, successful, or successfully, as these words are superfluous in most cases
  • Avoid using information as a title, as it does not provide an additional value to the user

Do's

  • Access point 2 connected
  • Changes saved automatically
  • Email sent

Don'ts

  • Access point connection failed. Try again
  • No rows to show
  • Email sent successfully

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