Whether it’s a notification, an alert, or a pop-up, unexpected interruptions can break concentration and disrupt the user’s flow.
Interruptions makes sure users are in control, giving them the power to manage how and when they receive alerts or notifications.
Who this impacts
- People with attention challenges: Interruptions can derail focus, making it difficult to return to the task at hand.
- People using assistive technologies: Unexpected alerts or pop-ups can interfere with screen readers, causing users to lose their place or miss important information.
- Everyone: All users benefit from having control over when they receive notifications or alerts, making it easier to stay focused and in control of their browsing experience.
How to meet Interruptions
- Allow users to control interruptions: Give users the ability to pause, delay, or block interruptions (like notifications or alerts) while they are focused on tasks.
- Deliver essential alerts carefully: Ensure that any interruptions that are essential (such as critical system notifications) are delivered without causing a major disruption.
- Create user-friendly notification settings: Provide clear options that let users manage how and when they receive notifications, so they can control interruptions.
Practical example
A news website that previously displayed breaking news pop-ups every few minutes now lets users control when they receive notifications, allowing them to stay focused on their reading without distractions.
Exceptions
Security and emergency notifications may be exempt from this rule, but they should still be presented in a way that minimizes disruption and keeps the user informed.
Top tips
- Put users in control: Give users clear settings for managing notifications, ensuring they can control interruptions based on their preferences.
- Test for interruptions: Make sure any necessary interruptions (like critical alerts) are delivered without derailing the user experience.
- Avoid unnecessary distractions: Whenever possible, limit non-essential interruptions to ensure users can focus on their tasks.