YaST/Style Guide/Dialogs/Error Message

From openSUSE

What is an Error Message?

An error message provides feedback about a critical situation or a condition. Unlike question message the user is only informed and cannot make any decision about the content of the warning message. Unlike a warning message users could harm or even destroy their system.

The purposes of error messages are:

• Prevent the user from making errors.
• Increase the user's controllability of the module.

Properties of an Error Message

• Report YCP library is recommended to be used for this purpose.
• Appropriate Icon.
• Headline with a one sentence summary of the information or suggested action. The user gets the essential details of the problem or suggestion. The font is bold and slightly larger than the additional information.
• Additional information with a more detailed description of the problem and suggested action, including possible side effects.

Example

• Example of an error message used when validation of entered IPv4 address fails.
• This particular example is harmless because user is forced to change the address to a valid one.