What this means
Status messages tell people whether an action worked, failed, or is still running. Use clear words. Messages added without moving focus should also be announced by reading software.
Passing examples
- 'Your message has been sent' is visible and announced after a successful submission.
- An upload displays and announces a useful progress update.
- A failed save produces 'Your changes could not be saved. Try again', available visually and through reading software.
Failing examples
- A green tick is the only indication that a submission succeeded.
- 'Message sent' appears visually but reading software gives no notice.
- A form displays 'Success' before the server confirms that the submission was received.