Action message

Source: CUA, Motif, Windows
Alias: Error dialog (Motif); Question dialog (Motif);
Critical message (Windows)
Related: Message
SCO Visual Tcl commands: VtErrorDialog, VtQuestionDialog, VtWarningDialog

An action message notifies users of serious non-destructive problems requiring user intervention. The user-intervention might be to correct a condition and try an alternative approach, or cancel the action.

Action messages:

• Appear in movable, fixed-size windows.

• Are accompanied by a beep.

• Stop application processing.

• Contain a Retry button, if appropriate, to start over from the failure point.

• Include a Help button if more information is available.

• Always let the user back out without taking action with either Yes/No buttons or a Cancel button.

• If the message is a question that can be answered Yes or No, phrase the question so the no response cancels the operation and takes on action. If a no response could result in an action, provide a Cancel button.