A visible cue, prominently displayed, can alert customers to the presence of unresolved points inside a software program utility. This interface ingredient, usually positioned on the prime of a window or display screen, serves as a readily noticeable indicator of potential issues that demand consideration. For instance, if a consumer makes an attempt to avoid wasting a file with invalid information, this indicator would possibly seem, offering a transparent sign that the operation has not been accomplished efficiently and that additional motion is required.
The significance of such a visible alert lies in its means to stop information loss, enhance consumer expertise, and guarantee information integrity. Traditionally, software program functions have relied on much less outstanding notifications, corresponding to pop-up dialog packing containers, which may be simply missed. A extra persistent and visually distinct indicator addresses this difficulty, drawing the consumer’s consideration and facilitating immediate decision of any recognized errors. This contributes considerably to a extra sturdy and user-friendly utility.
The next sections will element the particular strategies for implementing this visible error signaling mechanism, together with concerns for design, integration with present utility structure, and finest practices for offering clear and actionable suggestions to the consumer.
1. Visible prominence
Visible prominence constitutes a elementary attribute when using a ribbon to sign errors inside a software program interface. The effectiveness of this error signaling mechanism hinges on its means to instantly seize the consumer’s consideration. An error indicator that blends seamlessly into the background or is well missed negates its meant function. Take into account, for instance, a monetary utility the place a important calculation error would possibly result in important financial discrepancies. If the error indicator lacks visible influence, the consumer could stay unaware of the problem, leading to flawed monetary reviews and potential monetary loss. This underscores the causal relationship: diminished visible prominence instantly impairs the efficacy of the error ribbon in stopping inaccurate actions.
Reaching visible prominence requires strategic design decisions. Coloration distinction, dimension, and placement play essential roles. Using high-contrast colours, corresponding to a brilliant pink or orange in opposition to a impartial background, can successfully draw the attention. A bigger show space for the error message additionally contributes to improved visibility. Moreover, positioning the ribbon on the prime of the applying window, a location usually throughout the consumer’s pure line of sight, maximizes the chance of speedy detection. Implementing animation results, corresponding to a delicate pulse or shimmer, can additional improve its noticeability. These design parts, when appropriately built-in, collectively amplify the visible prominence of the error ribbon.
In conclusion, the visible prominence of the ribbon acts as a important determinant of its success as an error-signaling device. The failure to prioritize visible influence can result in missed errors and, consequently, compromised information integrity or operational effectivity. By meticulously contemplating colour distinction, dimension, placement, and using delicate animations, builders can make sure that the error ribbon successfully fulfills its meant perform, thereby enhancing the general reliability and value of the software program utility.
2. Clear error messaging
Clear error messaging is a important element within the efficient implementation of an error notification system. An ambiguous or cryptic error message renders the visible alert itself largely ineffective. The following particulars illustrate the aspects of clear error messaging inside this context.
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Specificity and Precision
Error messages should articulate the exact nature of the issue. As an illustration, as an alternative of displaying a generic “Error” message, the ribbon ought to state, “Invalid date format. Please enter date in YYYY-MM-DD format.” This specificity permits the consumer to instantly determine the foundation trigger and implement the required correction. A banking utility, for instance, would possibly show “Inadequate funds” reasonably than merely “Transaction failed.”
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Actionable Steerage
Past merely figuring out the error, efficient messaging supplies steerage on tips on how to resolve it. A message corresponding to “Connection timed out” is considerably improved by including, “Verify your community connection or strive once more later.” The inclusion of steered corrective actions empowers the consumer to handle the issue with out requiring exterior help or in depth troubleshooting. Software program set up processes ought to present steps for rectifying set up failures; for example, if a lacking dependency halts the set up, the error ribbon ought to element tips on how to set up the required dependency.
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Conciseness and Readability
Whereas offering enough element, error messages also needs to be concise and straightforward to know. Jargon, technical phrases, and overly advanced phrasing needs to be prevented. The purpose is to speak the issue and its resolution in a fashion that’s accessible to all customers, no matter their technical experience. For instance, reasonably than displaying “Segmentation fault (core dumped),” a extra user-friendly message may be “The appliance encountered an sudden error and must be restarted.”
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Contextual Relevance
The error message needs to be related to the consumer’s present motion or workflow. This requires cautious consideration of the context during which the error happens. If a consumer is making an attempt to avoid wasting a file in an unsupported format, the error message ought to replicate this particular motion. The error ribbon ought to, subsequently, convey the issue in relation to the duty at hand. A picture enhancing program, for example, would possibly point out {that a} explicit file extension is just not supported when the consumer makes an attempt to export the picture, guiding the consumer to decide on a supported format.
Finally, the effectiveness of the ribbon as an error notification device is instantly correlated with the readability and usefulness of the error messages it shows. Particular, actionable, concise, and contextually related messaging transforms the ribbon from a mere alert right into a invaluable device for drawback decision and improved consumer expertise. Its integration needs to be thought of through the implementation and design phases to make it an integral a part of a complete consumer interface.
3. Non-intrusive design
The combination of an error show mechanism right into a software program utility necessitates a fragile steadiness between visibility and disruption. Non-intrusive design, within the context of error show, seeks to tell the consumer of points with out impeding their ongoing workflow or diminishing the general consumer expertise. The next will element the aspects of how non-intrusive design improves the way in which error ribbons show error occasions.
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Delicate Visible Cues
The error ribbon ought to make use of delicate visible cues to draw consideration with out being jarring. As an alternative of flashing animations or overly brilliant colours, a extra subdued strategy utilizing colour gradients, light animations, or strategically positioned icons proves more practical. For instance, a ribbon that subtly slides into view or makes use of a muted colour scheme can alert the consumer with out overwhelming the interface. Extreme visible stimulation can distract customers and degrade their expertise.
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Strategic Placement and Dimension
The position and dimension of the error ribbon considerably influence its intrusiveness. A location on the prime of the applying window, whereas seen, shouldn’t occupy extreme display screen actual property. A ribbon that’s too giant can obscure vital content material and disrupt the consumer’s focus. Equally, keep away from putting the ribbon in areas which might be steadily used or require exact cursor management. A strategic, unobtrusive placement minimizes interference with the consumer’s workflow.
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Progressive Disclosure of Info
As an alternative of presenting all the error message upfront, a non-intrusive ribbon can make use of progressive disclosure. Initially, the ribbon shows a short abstract of the error, with an choice to develop for extra particulars. This strategy permits customers to shortly assess the severity of the problem with out being bombarded with info. The growth of particulars needs to be a user-initiated motion, respecting their management over the data displayed. A database utility with a number of invalid information fields ought to present a abstract of the variety of errors, permitting the consumer to drill down for particular particulars on every area.
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Respecting Person Management
A well-designed error ribbon respects the consumer’s management over its show. Offering choices to dismiss the ribbon, postpone the error decision, or customise the extent of element displayed empowers the consumer to handle their workflow. An error concerning an non-compulsory software program replace ought to enable the consumer to dismiss the ribbon indefinitely or set a reminder for a later time. This stage of management prevents the ribbon from changing into a persistent annoyance, thereby fostering a extra optimistic consumer expertise.
Non-intrusive design represents a important consideration when implementing an error ribbon. By using delicate visible cues, strategic placement, progressive disclosure, and respecting consumer management, the ribbon turns into an efficient device for error notification with out compromising usability or creating pointless distractions. The purpose is to seamlessly combine the error-reporting mechanism into the applying, enhancing the general consumer expertise.
4. Actionable steerage
Actionable steerage, when built-in with an error indication mechanism, transforms a mere notification of an issue right into a immediate for decision. Its relevance stems from the inherent limitations of merely alerting a consumer to an error; with out clear path, the consumer is left to independently diagnose and rectify the scenario, resulting in inefficiencies and potential frustration. This part will element the aspects of actionable steerage on this context.
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Specificity of Directions
Actionable steerage requires directions tailor-made to the exact error encountered. A generic suggestion, corresponding to “Verify your enter,” is inadequate. As an alternative, the steerage should particularly tackle the inaccurate area or parameter. For instance, an error associated to an invalid e mail tackle ought to present steerage corresponding to “Enter a sound e mail tackle within the format title@area.com.” Such precision reduces ambiguity and directs the consumer to the precise location of the issue.
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Direct Hyperlinks to Options
Actionable steerage can incorporate direct hyperlinks to related sources or instruments. An error encountered throughout software program set up, corresponding to a lacking dependency, ought to present a direct hyperlink to obtain and set up the required element. This immediacy streamlines the decision course of, minimizing the necessity for the consumer to navigate exterior documentation or help channels. The inclusion of direct hyperlinks transforms the error notification into an actionable pathway in direction of remediation.
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Contextual Help
The steerage needs to be contextually related to the consumer’s present process and surroundings. An error encountered whereas making an attempt to avoid wasting a file ought to think about the applying’s settings and the consumer’s file system configuration. Steerage suggesting various file codecs or offering directions to regulate file permissions can be pertinent on this situation. Contextual help ensures that the steered options are relevant and efficient within the particular scenario encountered by the consumer.
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Step-by-Step Procedures
For advanced errors, the actionable steerage ought to present a step-by-step process. This strategy breaks down the decision course of into manageable duties. An error associated to community connectivity, for instance, ought to provide a sequential information, corresponding to “1. Verify your Ethernet cable connection, 2. Restart your modem, 3. Contact your web service supplier.” By structuring the steerage into clearly outlined steps, the consumer can systematically tackle the issue and observe their progress.
The combination of actionable steerage, subsequently, augments the utility of a mechanism for error notification by actively facilitating drawback decision. This transformation from passive alert to lively help considerably enhances consumer effectivity and total satisfaction. By offering particular directions, direct hyperlinks, contextual help, and step-by-step procedures, the interface empowers customers to resolve points independently and expeditiously. Its effectiveness is contingent upon its design to be instantly associated to an error, its potential trigger, and resolution, making it a important element of error dealing with and consumer expertise.
5. Accessibility compliance
Accessibility compliance is a non-negotiable side of error ribbon design and implementation. Neglecting accessibility concerns instantly impairs the flexibility of customers with disabilities to successfully use software program functions. If the visible error indicator lacks enough distinction, for example, customers with low imaginative and prescient will battle to discern its presence or interpret its message. This omission successfully excludes a phase of the consumer base, undermining the ideas of inclusive design and probably violating accessibility requirements corresponding to WCAG (Net Content material Accessibility Pointers).
The combination of accessibility options into the ribbon necessitates a multifaceted strategy. Coloration distinction ratios should meet established pointers to make sure readability for customers with visible impairments. Using display screen reader-compatible textual content options (e.g., `aria-label` attributes in HTML) permits display screen readers to precisely convey error messages to customers who’re blind or visually impaired. Keyboard navigation should be totally supported, enabling customers who can’t use a mouse to entry and work together with the error ribbon. These measures should not merely non-compulsory enhancements; they’re elementary necessities for guaranteeing equitable entry. For instance, if a web-based utility shows a validation error utilizing the ribbon, keyboard customers want to have the ability to tab to the ribbon, have the display screen reader announce the error, after which tab to the sphere with the problem. With out correctly carried out accessibility, the ribbon presents a roadblock as an alternative of an assist. Failure to adjust to the ADA (People with Disabilities Act) or related legal guidelines in different jurisdictions can result in authorized repercussions.
In abstract, accessibility compliance is just not an ancillary consideration however an integral design precept that shapes how errors are offered and managed inside software program interfaces. The failure to include accessibility options into an error notification mechanism inherently restricts the flexibility of customers with disabilities to totally make the most of the applying. By adhering to established accessibility pointers and incorporating inclusive design practices, builders make sure that their software program is accessible to all customers, no matter their talents, thus realizing the complete advantages of utilizing the ribbon as an error indication mechanism.
6. Contextual relevance
Contextual relevance is a important determinant of the efficacy of an error indication mechanism. An error ribbon, regardless of its visible prominence or readability of message, loses its worth if the data it conveys lacks direct bearing on the consumer’s speedy process or workflow. Failure to make sure this relevance ends in a disconnect between the error notification and the consumer’s cognitive state, diminishing the chance of immediate and efficient error decision. The causal relationship is simple: decreased contextual relevance results in decreased consumer comprehension and delayed corrective motion.
The appliance of this precept necessitates a meticulous mapping of potential error states to particular consumer actions. Take into account a knowledge entry type the place a number of fields require validation. If a consumer submits the shape with errors in a number of fields, an error ribbon that merely shows a generic “Invalid enter” message supplies restricted help. A contextually related ribbon, however, would determine every area with an error, specifying the character of the issue (e.g., “Invalid date format in ‘Date of Start’ area,” “Telephone quantity should be 10 digits in ‘Telephone Quantity’ area”). This specificity permits the consumer to handle the errors instantly, with out having to interact in a time-consuming means of trial and error. In a software program growth surroundings, an error displayed on the error ribbon, like “Lacking semicolon on line 23”, will enable customers to repair the code extra effectively. One other instance, in video enhancing software program the error ribbon shows a message stating, “Unsupported file kind”. This directs them to both convert the file or choose an accepted format. These sensible functions reveal the tangible advantages of contextual relevance in enhancing usability and minimizing consumer frustration.
In abstract, contextual relevance serves as a cornerstone of an efficient error show mechanism. This relationship is pivotal for optimum consumer efficiency. By guaranteeing that error notifications are instantly linked to particular consumer actions and tailor-made to the speedy context, builders can remodel the error ribbon from a mere alert into an actionable device that facilitates environment friendly drawback fixing. Failure to prioritize contextual relevance can undermine all the error dealing with technique, negating the meant advantages of implementing an error indication system and leading to a decreased expertise for the consumer.
7. Persistent show
The persistent show of an error ribbon basically alters its effectiveness as an error indication mechanism. Absent persistence, the ribbon capabilities merely as a fleeting notification, simply missed or dismissed earlier than corrective motion is taken. This impermanence instantly compromises its meant function, growing the chance of unresolved errors and potential information inconsistencies. The persistent nature acts as a continuing reminder, reinforcing the necessity for consumer intervention till the underlying difficulty is addressed. Take into account, for example, a monetary utility the place a consumer makes an attempt to provoke a transaction with inadequate funds. If the applying solely shows the error momentarily, the consumer could not totally comprehend the explanation for the transaction failure, probably resulting in repeated makes an attempt and escalating frustration. Nonetheless, when this error indicator stays seen till the consumer deposits enough funds or modifies the transaction, the system reinforces the need to resolve the problem. The persistent show ensures the consumer is frequently cognizant of the error.
The strategic implementation of a persistent show necessitates cautious consideration of its interplay with different interface parts. The ribbon should not obscure essential info or impede the consumer’s means to navigate the applying. A well-designed system permits customers to acknowledge the error, optionally dismiss the ribbon, and quickly decrease the show whereas retaining an unobtrusive visible cue to point the presence of unresolved points. For instance, a doc editor would possibly persistently show an error if the doc incorporates tracked modifications that haven’t been accepted or rejected. The ribbon may present choices to assessment the modifications, settle for all modifications, or dismiss the notification with the understanding that the tracked modifications stay within the doc. When the error is fastened, the applying will instantly take away the ribbon. That habits highlights the sensible good thing about persistently displaying the ribbon when a consumer intends to avoid wasting a doc and its file info must be corrected first, that course of ensures information integrity and a seamless consumer expertise.
The persistent show of a ribbon constitutes a important ingredient of efficient error administration. Its continuous presence reinforces the significance of resolving errors, minimizing the chance of oversight and stopping information inconsistencies. The absence of persistence undermines its worth, reworking it right into a transient notification with restricted influence. By implementing an clever show system, software program builders can optimize their utility, growing usability and enhancing the general consumer expertise. Designing this manner supplies a seamless workflow and contributes to improved information high quality inside an utility.
8. Dynamic updating
Dynamic updating, within the context of a visible alert system, refers back to the means of the indicator to replicate modifications within the utility state in real-time. It’s a essential side of creating such a system greater than only a static warning; it should adapt its show to the evolving standing of the underlying errors. The shortage of dynamic updating would render the visible alert inaccurate and deceptive, probably inflicting consumer confusion and decreased productiveness.
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Reflecting Actual-Time Standing
The first position of dynamic updating is to make sure that the displayed info precisely represents the present standing of recognized errors. For instance, if an utility reviews a community connection error, the indicator ought to routinely disappear as soon as the connection is re-established. Take into account a spreadsheet utility the place method errors exist: the ribbon ought to replace dynamically as a consumer corrects every error in order that solely remaining ones show.
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Adapting to Person Actions
Dynamic updates ought to reply to consumer actions taken to resolve the problems. When a consumer fixes a knowledge validation error, the indicator ought to instantly replicate that the error has been resolved. As an illustration, if a web-based type shows an error for an invalid e mail tackle, the system ought to dynamically replace the indicator because the consumer corrects the e-mail. This responsiveness supplies speedy suggestions and reinforces the consumer’s actions.
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Adjusting to System Occasions
A dynamic system also needs to alter to modifications that happen because of system occasions unbiased of direct consumer interplay. An utility may carry out an automated information synchronization within the background. If any conflicts come up through the synchronization, the system ought to seem. As soon as the battle is resolved, the indicator ought to replace accordingly, even when the consumer didn’t instantly provoke the synchronization course of.
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Offering Clear Transitions
Transitions throughout dynamic updates needs to be seamless and unobtrusive, avoiding jarring visible results that may distract or confuse the consumer. As an illustration, the transition from an error state to a standard state needs to be easy, maybe utilizing a delicate animation or a change in colour, to point that the problem has been resolved. Abrupt modifications may be disorienting and detract from the general consumer expertise.
The dynamic updating is a important perform for this visible alert system; its functionality makes it an efficient device for guiding the consumer in direction of error decision. By guaranteeing the visible alert precisely displays the present standing of errors in real-time, the system can considerably enhance usability and consumer expertise. Software program builders ought to give excessive precedence to implementing sturdy dynamic replace mechanisms to capitalize on the advantages of such a error signalling strategy.
Incessantly Requested Questions
The next questions tackle frequent issues and concerns concerning the implementation of an error ribbon inside software program functions. Understanding these points is essential for profitable integration and optimum consumer expertise.
Query 1: What constitutes an acceptable colour scheme for an error ribbon to make sure most visibility with out inflicting extreme visible disruption?
A high-contrast colour mixture is crucial. Whereas brilliant pink is a standard alternative, options embrace deep orange or a saturated yellow. The chosen colour should distinction sharply with the applying’s background. Keep away from overly brilliant or flashing colours, which may be distracting or induce discomfort. A/B testing with consultant customers might help decide the best and least intrusive colour scheme.
Query 2: How ought to the error ribbon be positioned throughout the utility interface to maximise its influence with out obstructing important content material?
The highest of the applying window is usually thought of the optimum location. This placement ensures that the ribbon is throughout the consumer’s pure line of sight. Nonetheless, the ribbon shouldn’t overlay important parts corresponding to menu bars or toolbars. Its peak should be rigorously calibrated to keep away from obstructing important info. Another location is slightly below the primary toolbar, supplied this space is just not steadily used for different interactive parts.
Query 3: What kind of knowledge needs to be included within the error message displayed throughout the ribbon, and the way can its conciseness be balanced with the necessity for readability?
The error message ought to present particular particulars concerning the difficulty, its potential trigger, and steered corrective actions. Jargon and technical phrases needs to be prevented. Prioritize readability and brevity; the message needs to be simply understood by customers with various ranges of technical experience. Offering a hyperlink or button to a extra detailed rationalization may be useful for advanced errors.
Query 4: How can the error ribbon be made accessible to customers with disabilities, notably those that depend on display screen readers or keyboard navigation?
Compliance with accessibility requirements corresponding to WCAG is crucial. Use semantic HTML or ARIA attributes to supply display screen readers with correct descriptions of the error and its related actions. Guarantee full keyboard navigation help, permitting customers to entry and dismiss the ribbon utilizing solely the keyboard. Present enough colour distinction for customers with visible impairments. Implement various textual content for any visible cues or icons.
Query 5: What mechanisms needs to be carried out to permit the error ribbon to replace dynamically in response to modifications within the utility state or consumer actions?
Implement occasion listeners or observers that monitor related utility occasions. When an error is resolved, the ribbon ought to routinely disappear or replace its message. Use asynchronous updates to keep away from blocking the consumer interface. Keep away from abrupt transitions; make use of easy animations or fades to point modifications within the ribbon’s state.
Query 6: What methods may be employed to stop the error ribbon from changing into a persistent annoyance, notably when customers are unable to resolve the underlying difficulty instantly?
Present choices for customers to acknowledge and quickly dismiss the ribbon. Implement a “snooze” perform that permits customers to defer the error decision till a later time. Keep away from repeatedly displaying the identical error message if the consumer has already acknowledged it. Supply useful sources or help channels for customers who’re struggling to resolve the problem independently.
Cautious consideration of those questions and their implications is paramount for the profitable implementation and efficient use of a visible error signaling system. The purpose is to create a device that enhances usability and guides customers in direction of error decision with out disrupting their workflow.
The next sections will talk about particular code examples and implementation methods.
Implementation Ideas for Error Notification
This part gives steerage on tips on how to error ribbon utilizing x successfully. The following pointers tackle important points of implementation and design to reinforce usability and decrease potential drawbacks.
Tip 1: Prioritize Readability in Error Messaging: The error message should present particular particulars concerning the difficulty, avoiding imprecise language. For instance, “Invalid e mail format” is extra informative than merely “Error.”
Tip 2: Guarantee Contextual Relevance: The notification displayed ought to instantly relate to the consumer’s present motion or process. Displaying error ribbons should be related to the workflow the consumer is working on.
Tip 3: Preserve Visible Consistency: The design of the error ribbon ought to align with the general aesthetic of the applying to stop it from showing misplaced.
Tip 4: Implement a Mechanism for Person Dismissal: Present a transparent technique for customers to acknowledge and dismiss the error notification, stopping it from changing into a persistent distraction.
Tip 5: Incorporate Dynamic Updating: The error ribbon ought to routinely replace to replicate modifications within the utility state. Guarantee dynamic updating to replicate the precise standing of the error, which is without doubt one of the finest recommendations on tips on how to error ribbon utilizing x.
Tip 6: Assure Accessibility Compliance: Adhere to accessibility pointers to make sure the error ribbon is usable by people with disabilities.
Tip 7: Totally Take a look at Error Situations: Take a look at the error ribbon underneath varied situations to confirm its performance and consumer expertise. Implementing varied check situations permits for higher management and implementation if you need to know “tips on how to error ribbon utilizing x”.
Following these implementation suggestions is essential for maximizing the advantages of visible error signaling and enhancing the general consumer expertise.
The next sections present particular code examples and implementation methods for varied software program growth platforms.
Conclusion
This text explored the implementation of visible error signaling inside software program functions, with explicit emphasis on the design and useful concerns of using an error ribbon. Key factors included the significance of visible prominence, clear error messaging, non-intrusive design, actionable steerage, accessibility compliance, contextual relevance, persistent show, and dynamic updating. These parts collectively contribute to a extra sturdy and user-friendly utility surroundings, minimizing the potential for information loss and enhancing total consumer satisfaction.
Efficient integration of an error ribbon requires a complete understanding of those ideas. Cautious consideration of design, accessibility, and contextual relevance is paramount. By adhering to established pointers and incorporating finest practices, builders can remodel the error signaling system from a mere alert right into a invaluable device for drawback decision and improved consumer expertise. This may elevate the software program from being simply useful to a consumer pleasant piece of software program that customers will take pleasure in.
