Also known as status indicators, these UI elements are instrumental in communicating the severity level of information to users. Depending on their shape and color, users should be able to quickly identify what the indicator's meaning is.
Types of Status Indicators in UI
We can view indicators by analyzing a few principles. One of the most common classifications of status indicators is based on their color.
Blue. This color symbolizes that the status is active, usually relating to a process or an action.
Green. The green indicator is meant to let the user know that an operation that was performed was successful. Besides this, it can also show that an object or an item is available.
Red. The color red is widely associated with mistakes and processes that went wrong. This type of indicator points out that an error has occurred.
Yellow. Indicators that are yellow let users know that a process or an action is currently in progress, as well as the busy state of something.
Grey. Pause is another status that is revealed by indicators, for which they will appear in a grey shade.
Another way to classify indicators is based on the shape they have. There are a few standard shapes with which users are already familiar with that are usually implemented for status indicators:
Circle. The circle is the most common shape used for indicators because it is flexible and can take on various meanings depending on the color they have.
Triangle. The most common use for the triangle indicator is to show the occurrence of a warning.
Diamond. This shape signals to the user that a critical action has been taken.
Square. Indicators that are square-shaped showcase an unknown status.
How to Use Status Indicators in UI
Visibility. Because indicators are meant to draw users’ attention, we have to make sure that we position them accordingly. Some aspects we should consider are placing the indicators near the element they are related to and positioning the indicator at the top, close to the title when it applies to the entire section.
Size. If the message of an indicator is more urgent, then the status should be of a bigger size. For indicators that do not have a high priority, there is no need for them to take up a lot of space.
Content. Indicators need to respect the same structure and ensure coherence. So, an indicator that shows an error should always have the same icon, color, and symbol in a document.
When to Use Indicators?
To draw attention. The main purpose of any status indicator is to signal to the users that a new action has been taken or that something special has occurred that requires their attention.
Low Emphasis Indicators. These should generally be used in cases when other status indicators are already in place, so the users are not confused.
High Emphasis Indicators. Such indicators should be used for headers and main sections on a page.
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