NNGroup Interaction Patterns · Feedback · Dialogs · Notifications · Loading · Tips · Empty States · Data Presentation (15 Patterns · When to Use/How to Choose/Counterexamples)
Essentials of 15 patterns from the "Feedback and Dialogs" subset of the Nielsen Norman Group design pattern knowledge base. Six major themes: ① Dialogs and interruption grading — Confirmation Dialogs (8 rules: only use for high-severity actions · do not use for routine actions · state consequences clearly · use descriptive buttons instead of Yes/No · progressive disclosure · do not default to Yes · require typing DELETE for high-risk actions · provide a "don't show again" option), Modal vs Nonmodal (5 drawbacks of modals that force response/obscure the background + 7 scenarios where they should/should not be used), 10 problematic popup trends Popups (before page load/right after login/asking for email/requesting feedback before any user action/during critical tasks/multiple in a row/redirecting to external sites/interrupting content/GDPR Cookie/promoting apps without stating benefits — with nonmodal/banner alternatives for each). ② Error messages — three categories of Error-Message guidelines (4 for visibility/4 for communication/4 for efficiency) + 4 principles for improving visibility (place close to the source · redundant for accessibility · grade by severity · do not show too early) + Hostile Patterns counterexamples (premature prompts · misuse of error styling). ③ Loading and progress — Progress Indicators (loop animation for 2–9 seconds/percentage bar for 10+ seconds · provide estimated time for >10 seconds · do not use static indicators · do not warn users not to click repeatedly), Skeleton Screens (three types: static/animated/wireframe · do not use for <1 second · comparison of the three), 13 practices for Virtual Queues (explain purpose · status tracker · auto-refresh · notifications · re-entry · non-intrusive entertainment). ④ Tips and micro-feedback — Tooltip (hover on desktop · do not place critical information · arrows · consistency), Info Tips (i/? icons · three major pitfalls: wasting time/hiding critical information/interrupting flow), Transactional Notifications (SMS vs push · 50–240 characters · only use for urgent matters · allow unsubscribing), 5 rules for User-Feedback Requests (ask after the task · do not spam emails · surveys <1 minute with 4–5 questions · flexible formats · thank and incentivize). ⑤ Empty States 3 goals (communicate status · learning prompts · shortcuts to key tasks). ⑥ Data presentation — Choosing Chart Types (3Cs: Context/Clutter-free/Contrast · bar/line/scatter · avoid pie, bubble, and Sankey charts) + 4 principles for reducing cognitive load in forms Few Guesses (structure/transparency/clarity/assistance · single column · do not use placeholders). Audience = product managers, in-line explanation of jargon, decision-oriented (when to use/how to choose/counterexamples), all numbers retained.