Feedback

Related: Progress indicator; Messages

Feedback is an audible or visual cue that notifies users of the results of an action. Use graphics for visual feedback, where possible, or a combination of text and graphics.

Feedback is the applications response to input by the user. Feedback should be used to acknowledge user input, keep users informed of progress, and give corrective assistance for user error.

• Give users immediate feedback about the results of their actions.

• Use an hour-glass pointer shape for notifying users that the application is busy working on something. This indicator tells the user that the mouse will not work on that application until the application is finished with its task.

• Use a progress indicator to inform users of the status of a request. For example, when installing a new product, a progress indicator can show the progression on a scale (from 0 - 100%) how much of the product is currently installed.

• Use audible feedback, such a beep from the computer, to draw attention to an erroneous action or to specific information. Accompany warning and action messages with a beep. Audible feedback should be supplemented with visible cues for important information so users with a hearing disability can benefit from the cue.

Visible feedback

location cursor

Indicates to the user where the current keyboard input focus is.

graphics pointer

Allows the user to point to objects and GUI elements that they wish to interact with.

objects and elements

Include visual feedback for indication of selection, unavailable objects and elements, open objects, valid drop targets, source object and dragged image.