[Trainer-Talk] Question: What Terms Do You Use to Discuss Modals or Overlays on the Web

[David Goldfield]

A question came up recently regarding how to phrase the label of a "close" button when a modal or overlay window is displayed. I've read that just labeling it "close" can be problematic as some users might mistakenly assume that pressing this button will close the entire browser window, which is, of course, not the case. Some developers label it "close modal window" or "close overlay" but I find these labels problematic as well as many users won't know what a modal window or overlay is. I always recommend the term "close dialog" if possible, since all users are taught about dialog boxes, even before they are taught how to use a Web browser. Therefore, I'm wondering how some of you handle the concept of modals as far as the terminology you use to actually describe it. Do you teach them the term "modal" or do you just simplify it by treating it like a general Web page.


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David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist WWW.David-Goldfield.Com<http://WWW.David-Goldfield.Com>