Ban The Bomb By Alan Cooper Presented by Justin Pilgrim

What is “The Bomb”? Error Messages Error Messages Early programmers and computer operators were understanding of error messages. Early programmers and computer operators were understanding of error messages. They knew how hard their computers were working. They knew how hard their computers were working.

So Why Not Use Error Messages? Bad human interface Bad human interface Tactless Tactless “Silicon Sanctimony” – when software demands a user does things its way rather than adapting “Silicon Sanctimony” – when software demands a user does things its way rather than adapting Can make the user feel inadequate and incompetent Can make the user feel inadequate and incompetent

What To Do Instead “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” “ When I use a hammer incorrectly it doesn't give me an error message. It doesn't attempt to correct my behavior. It doesn't point out my failings as a carpenter. It just doesn't put nails in very well. The hammer rewards good use with good results and rewards poor use with bad results. The simplicity, appropriateness and human scale of the interaction between human and hammer is proven by the lack of professional societies devoted to hammer design and by the lack of Opinion columns in carpentry magazines on how toolmakers can create more harmonious relations with hammer users.” “ When I use a hammer incorrectly it doesn't give me an error message. It doesn't attempt to correct my behavior. It doesn't point out my failings as a carpenter. It just doesn't put nails in very well. The hammer rewards good use with good results and rewards poor use with bad results. The simplicity, appropriateness and human scale of the interaction between human and hammer is proven by the lack of professional societies devoted to hammer design and by the lack of Opinion columns in carpentry magazines on how toolmakers can create more harmonious relations with hammer users.”

You Have The Right To Remain Silent Make Errors Impossible Make Errors Impossible Give Positive Feedback Give Positive Feedback Audit, don’t edit Audit, don’t edit

Making Errors Impossible Take the option to make mistakes away from the user Take the option to make mistakes away from the user List box instead of text box, etc List box instead of text box, etc Don’t ask a question that the program can figure out itself Don’t ask a question that the program can figure out itself

A Pat on the Back Use sound as a positive sanction Use sound as a positive sanction Goes against current methods Goes against current methods The computer could “coo” softly with each correct input, and be silent for the bad The computer could “coo” softly with each correct input, and be silent for the bad Would help efficiency and speed Would help efficiency and speed

Audit, Not Edit If unfamiliar info is presented, the program might make a note that the user needs to enter other information to make it valid, and still accept the information If unfamiliar info is presented, the program might make a note that the user needs to enter other information to make it valid, and still accept the information

An Acceptable Place For An Error Message? When your printer is actively on fire!!! When your printer is actively on fire!!!