Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition

033 Confirmation

A technique for preventing errors by requiring verification before actions are performed.

Confirmation is a technique used to verify that critical actions, inputs, or commands are intentional and correct before they are executed. Confirmations are primarily used to prevent a class of errors called slips, which are unintended actions. Confirmations slow task performance and should be reserved for use with critical or irreversible operations only. When the consequences of an action are not serious, or when actions are completely and easily reversible, confirmations are not needed.1

There are two basic confirmation techniques:

1. Confirmation using a dialog — Involves establishing a verbal interaction with the person using the system. ...