Weak screen patterns
A screen can fail in predictable ways
- The screen may hide the job.
- It may bury the action.
- It may fail to explain status, risk, or recovery.
Weak versus strong
Purpose
Weak
The user cannot tell why this screen exists.
Strong
The screen job is clear in the first few seconds.
Action
Weak
Several actions compete or the main action is hidden.
Strong
One main action is visible and clearly labelled.
Status
Weak
The user cannot tell if the system saved, failed, loaded, or changed.
Strong
The screen shows what happened or what is happening.
Trust
Weak
Important information appears late or only after the user acts.
Strong
Costs, consequences, limits, and recovery paths are clear before commitment.