Why the “OK” button is now considered bad form in the design
When the graphical user interface only 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 start operating. Clicking 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 has been adopted.
Instead of the “OK” button in the dialog box, use the button with the name of the action that the button will perform when pressed . Such a 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 the 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, users will be less mistaken. Because they will press the button that will perform what they need and will have the appropriate name. This will not only save you from mistakes, but also give you the opportunity to choose an action faster without having to read the contents of the window.
Example:
Instead of the “OK” button, the “Save” button is used.
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Even without reading the message, the user can choose what he needs, because each button is signed by the action 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. The dialog box with the “OK” button makes the user not only read the message, but also understand it . This 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. Yes, and one word is easier to look at 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 a quick and accurate choice. From "OK" gives mediocrity. Yes, this is a good button, but not the best. And mediocre design is not the best way to interact with your users. What was once acceptable is not part of the design standards right now. Improve and be professional.
UPD: MicVit found on the history of the button "OK" ...
Instead of the “OK” button in the dialog box, use the button with the name of the action that the button will perform when pressed . Such a 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 the 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, users will be less mistaken. Because they will press the button that will perform what they need and will have the appropriate name. This will not only save you from mistakes, but also give you the opportunity to choose an action faster without having to read the contents of the window.
Example:
Instead of the “OK” button, the “Save” button is used.
')
Even without reading the message, the user can choose what he needs, because each button is signed by the action 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. The dialog box with the “OK” button makes the user not only read the message, but also understand it . This 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. Yes, and one word is easier to look at 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 a quick and accurate choice. From "OK" gives mediocrity. Yes, this is a good button, but not the best. And mediocre design is not the best way to interact with your users. What was once acceptable is not part of the design standards right now. Improve and be professional.
UPD: MicVit found on the history of the button "OK" ...
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/114428/
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