3

I'm designing the messaging for 2 types of scenarios. Planned maintenance, and unplanned downtime. in both cases, certain services on the app won't work, but the rest of the app will function as normal.

From the 2 options for planned maintenance, what would be the better options way to communicate these to users? Also, what should I consider when designing for unplanned downtime? enter image description here

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

Use dismissible in-app messaging (version B). Users are more likely to close a modal without reading it when it interrupts their task.

You might want to lead with "Online booking will be unavailable" in your message -- put the impact to the user first, and the reason why (scheduled maintenance) immediately after that.

Improve this answer
5
  • 1
    would you suggest the same for a desktop version? I mean no modal windows?
    – Lorelei Heckmann
    Commented Oct 7, 2020 at 17:47
  • 1
    Yes, for the same reason.
    – Izquierdo
    Commented Oct 7, 2020 at 18:16
  • ok even if the modal window is small and in the corner of the screen - not as invasive? Like ie. Google mail modal windows? - EDIT: it's a so-called non-modal window :)
    – Lorelei Heckmann
    Commented Oct 7, 2020 at 18:50
  • mentioned in the same article from nngroup you're referring to.
    – Lorelei Heckmann
    Commented Oct 7, 2020 at 18:52
  • A small message in the bottom corner of the screen that doesn't cause interruption would probably be OK. Personally I'd opt for something that is not necessarily likely to be dismissed, in case the user needs to be reminded of the date later on.
    – Izquierdo
    Commented Oct 7, 2020 at 18:53
2

I particularly prefer the option that least obstructs the app. A modal window for a type of information referring to settings in the app itself is giving too much relevance to an internal activity that has nothing to do with the immediate/current activity of the user and can be interpreted as a negative warning. The modal windows in some cases works as a barrier between the user and the app.

By choosing the second option, I would also use less obstructive components.

  • The info icon has no meaning when the information is already open or visible and framed
  • In its place, I would put the app logo making implicit that it's an institutional information
  • Text in red emphasizes its importance
  • I would also eliminate the close icon, the X.

There are two options:

  • Keep the information always visible, optimizing the text
  • Or create a vertical slide visible when opening the application and hidden when interacting with it plus an icon to open it and see the content when the user needs it.

enter image description here

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.