Using the “X” as a close button vs a button labeled “close window” [duplicate]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
Closing modal dialogs

I'm developing a flash application that has buttons that popup a window with more text, and information when they click it. This happens throughout the course. The close button is a square box with an "X" inside of it. The client upon review stated their review asked us to change it because felt the "X" looks like the page didn't load correctly (old browser can't load image icons??).

I have a strong intuition to stick with the "X" button because I feel it's more recognizable than having a button with "close window" label. Which is the best way to go about this? Also, is the "X" as a close button globally recognizable as a close button?

Answer 1

When closing an informational modal dialog, it's best to provide two methods. OK and the X to close:

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If the X is anywhere but the top right (or top left for Mac users), on a red colored background, they will have difficulty finding it or knowing what it is.

One alternative solution I have seen for custom dialogs (Flash, Web overlays), is a [Close X] button.

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This is a bit simpler to implement and uses less space, while still being quite clear to most users. I do not recommend using a red colored X in either case (use a red background for the X button), because the user is right; this does hearken back to the 'missing image' icon in Internet explorer, especially if it is not located in the top right corner.

Answer 2

Which is better depends on your target audience. It's not clear from the question whether this is designed for a broad consumer audience, or whether it is intended for use within a fairly defined group. I would argue that the approach differs for each.

For a broad (i.e. global) consumer audience, the x at a top corner is common enough that I doubt it would cause any major confusion. Although you should remember that it isn't always on the right. Mac users will be used to having it on the left. If possible, I would also let the "esc" key act as a close option. Many people are used to this, and it doesn't complicate your interface at all.

For a closed and fairly well defined group, you have an easy opportunity to find a solid answer to the question with a little testing, so use it. Test it with your potential users and see which is clearer for them and then go with that.