Messages on a computer screen are like little notes that pop up to keep you informed or guide you through tasks. There are different types of messages, each with its own purpose and style.
- System Messages:
- These are automatic messages from the system to update you on its activities.
- They usually appear in message boxes and show the current state of the system.
- Instructional Messages:
- Also known as prompting messages, these guide users on how to interact with the screen.
- They can be in message boxes or directly on the screen.
Common Message Types:
- Status Messages:
- These show the progress of a task with a progress indicator and a brief description.
- Often have a Cancel button to stop the ongoing task.
- May include Pause and Resume options.
- Informational Messages:
- Also called notification messages, these provide information when it’s not obvious to the user.
- Confirm non-obvious processing or offer intermediate feedback.
- Identified by an “I” icon.
- Warning Messages:
- Alert users to potentially undesirable situations.
- Usually marked with an “!” icon.
- Users decide whether to proceed or take action.
- Commonly seen with deletion requests.
- Critical Messages:
- Also known as action messages, they highlight conditions needing user action.
- Often describe errors or inconsistencies.
- Icons for critical messages may vary.
- Question Messages:
- Ask a question and present options for the user to choose from.
- Marked with a “?” icon.
- Used when there’s a decision to be made and none of the above types fit well.