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| == Introduction ==
| | {{ Moved To Community | KDE_Visual_Design_Group/HIG/Messages }} |
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| Messages include warnings, error messages, confirmation dialogs, and info messages.
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| == Language ==
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| Messages should be:
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| * ''Understandable''. Phrase your messages clearly, in non-technical terms and avoid obscure error codes.
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| * ''Readable'' — user has to be able to read the message in his/her own pace, think about it, understand it. Adding countdown timers (visible or not) and forcing user to read&understand the message in X seconds is not acceptable,
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| * ''Specific instead of general''. If the message is reporting a problem concerning a specific object or application, use the object or application name when referring to it.
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| * ''Informative and constructive''. Tell the user the reason for a problem and help on how to solve the problem.
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| * ''Polite, non-terrifying and non-blaming''. Avoid wording that terrifies the user ("fatal", "illegal"), blames him for his behavior, and be polite.
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| == Confirmation Button Labels ==
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| When no further input is required:
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| * To close a warning or error message that does not require further user interaction, provide a Close button. '''Do not use an OK button.''' Users may get confused if they are asked to confirm an error.
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| When further interaction is required:
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| * Use buttons which '''match the type of statement or question''' made in the warning or error message. For example, do no ask a Yes/No question but then provide OK/Cancel buttons.
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| * When the user must choose between two actions to continue, use '''descriptive button labels''' instead of standard Yes/No or OK/Cancel buttons. For example, if the user must choose to continue or stop an action, provide the buttons "Continue" and "Cancel".
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| == Details ==
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| * Provide only a short error message and complement it by a Details button that provides more a detailed explanation in the same error dialog.
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| * If it makes sense for this kind of error, link from the error dialog to the corresponding page in the help system. Provide a Help button then.
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| == Dialog vs. Info Panel ==
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| * Use dialogs for critical error messages, and when you need to make sure that the user sees the message.
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| * Use info panels for non-critical messages which do not require any further user interaction (typically dialogs with a single "OK" or "Close" button).
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| == Implementation ==
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| * [http://api.kde.org/4.10-api/kdelibs-apidocs/kdeui/html/classKMessageBox.html KMessageBox]
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