Why the OK button is now considered bad design

Original author: Anthony T.
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When the graphical user interface just appeared, the designers designed the dialog boxes using the binary approach: “OK” and “Cancel”. Pressing the “OK” button in the dialog box meant that the user wanted the system to take effect. Pressing the “Cancel” button meant that the user wanted to return to the application without taking any action. While this approach, in the past, was the standard for OS and applications, today a more user-friendly approach to the design of dialog boxes is adopted.

Instead of the “OK” button in the dialog box, you should use a button with the name of the action that the button will perform when you click. This button will allow your users to make the right choice more quickly. It is no secret that there are users who do not read the contents of dialog boxes or read inattentively. And if the confirmation button is simply called “OK”, then this may cause the user to choose the wrong action. However, if the button has the name of the action, then users will become less mistaken. Because they will press the button that will perform what they need and will have the appropriate name. This will not only protect against errors, but also provide an opportunity to choose an action faster, without having to read the contents of the window.

Example:

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Instead of the “OK” button, the “Save” button is used


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Without even reading the message, the user can choose what he needs, because each button is signed by the action that it performs.

This approach reduces the number of errors made by users, and also saves time, especially when the message is long or difficult to read. A dialog box with the OK button forces the user not only to read the message, but also to understand it . It becomes impossible for users who have a language barrier. For such users, it is easier and safer to choose a button with the name of the action, which they will understand faster than a verbose message. And one word is easier to see in the dictionary if they do not know its meaning.

A good dialog box is not only a clear question for the user, but also clear buttons that give the user the ability to quickly and accurately select. From "OK" gives mediocrity. Yes, this is a good button, but not the best. A mediocre design is not the best way to interact with your users. What was once acceptable is now not part of the design standards. Improve and be professional.

UPD: MicVit found on Habr History of the OK button ...

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