Developing User Interfaces for Microsoft Windows

Messages boxes occur in the following varieties:

• Notifications A notification provides the user with information about the results of a command. Usually implemented with the Information message box type.
• Flash Boxes Same as notifications, except that a flash box removes itself after a couple of seconds. Doesn't have buttons.
• Confirmations A confirmation alerts the user to a condition or situation that requires the user's input before proceeding. Usually implemented with a Warning message box type.
• Error messages An error message informs the user of a problem that requires correction before work can continue. Usually implemented with a Critical message box type.

Each type of message box is used in different ways and therefore has different implications, which I will discuss in the following sections.