Message

Phrase message text so that a user clearly understands what caused the message as well as what action, if any, can be taken to correct the situation that caused the message.

When wording the messages displayed by your application, do not assume that the user has any expert knowledge about computer systems in general or the operating system in particular. You can assume that the user has knowledge about basic interface terms that could have been learned through tutorials, help information, and user documentation. However, avoid terminology that is typically understood only by an expert or knowledgeable computer user unless the application is specifically targeted at computer professionals. Also, messages returned to your application by the underlying system should not be passed directly to the user, but instead should be interpreted into language the novice user can understand.

If a window associated with the task or element for which the task is being performed is open, display the message in a secondary window that depends on the associated window.

If no associated window is open for a task being performed and for which an urgent message must be displayed, then display the message in a secondary window and, optionally, display the task's window if such a window exists.

If no associated window is open for the task being performed and for which a nonurgent message needs to be displayed, then place the message in a secondary window, but do not display it. Optionally, change the appearance of the icon through which the window can be displayed if such a window exists.