Confirmation is a technique for preventing unintended actions by requiring verification of the actions before they are performed. The use of confirmations help to minimize errors in the performance of critical or irreversible operations.
Example in Original Source:
Source: Universal Principles of Design
Example in Different Source:
Source: Dribbble.com
Real World Example:
Source: Screenshot from my iphone
Great examples Amir! Nowadays it is a requirement to have some sort of reminder or warning. Users have to be aware of the significance of a change or choice that they are about to make. Especially when we are so used to “fast clicking” everywhere. Sometimes that leads to mistakes.
https://uxplanet.org/5-essential-ux-rules-for-dialog-design-4de258c22116
Thanks for the comment, Amit! I agree that it is a requirement to have a reminder or warning for users. Appreciate the link to the article on UX rules. Additionally, I would argue that automating alerts, reminders, or warnings in real time is a more innovative and user centric approach to this strategy.
Your definition is spot on. This strategy is so useful in UX Design. Confirmations also serve as feedback to the user – allowing them the flexibility to undo an unintended interaction or be alert before proceeding. Kind of like two-step verification.
Another example of confirmation on a physical object can is shown here: http://thangtien.vn/site/upload/images/Service/Extra%20Low-Voltage%20System/Fire%20Alarm%20System/2.jpg
Appreciate your comment, Joyce. I took a look at the additional example and I’m not clear how the “warning” on the fire extinguisher is a confirmation other than pressing where it says to break the glass and once the glass is broken, I’ve received the confirmation. I may not be clear on why you selected this example. Could you help clarify this for me?
Confirmation can be useful but also a reminder of how careless a user can be. Are you sure you want to delete it? You are about to delete a file? Close all tabs? Close all windows? The system/product should take as default your your initial action and continue with that behaviour
Thanks for your feedback, Juan. I agree with your thoughts however for actions that are reversible, it is not always necessary to give confirmation messages. For example, if I close all tabs without a confirmation message, that might not be as difficult to find again versus a more permanent action like deleting a file. Did you have an example of confirmation to share?