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

[Andrews, David B (DEED)]

I am not a trainer, but use a bunch of software, test too. I would familiarize people with the term Modal as some software uses it on screen. So they should at least know the term, and know to look for close button, or to try escape.

Dave



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-----Original Message-----
From: Trainer-Talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Greg Aikens via Trainer-Talk
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2018 3:08 PM
To: David Goldfield <david.goldfield at outlook.com>; List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Greg Aikens <gaikens at cviga.org>
Subject: Re: [Trainer-Talk] Question: What Terms Do You Use to Discuss Modals or Overlays on the Web

I typically discuss them in terms of dialog boxes on websites or popup windows. I do not use the term modals. It might make sense to though so clients recognize the term when they do see those labels. 

I'll be interested to see what others are doing.


-----Original Message-----
From: Trainer-Talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Goldfield via Trainer-Talk
Sent: Thursday, May 3, 2018 4:04 PM
To: List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: David Goldfield <david.goldfield at outlook.com>
Subject: [Trainer-Talk] Question: What Terms Do You Use to Discuss Modals or Overlays on the Web

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>
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