For a web-based password-protected site with sensitive information, the user usually is logged out after a period of inactivity. (In part, this is to prevent others from seeing/changing the data on their screen, if the user is on coffee break.) Ideally, the user would be warned before the time-out, with an option to extend the time.
What are the best practices for this time-out warning? Note that the user may have multiple browser windows/tabs open (with other web sites) or may be working in a desktop application. Should they be interrupted or not? (In this particular application, some users use it periodically throughout the day, for time-sensitive critical tasks.) What should the warning's format be? Options include: - Small popup window (a new browser window). Means users with popups blocked might not see it. - JavaScript dialog that is visible no matter how many browser windows you have open (I think this is referred to as application-modal?) - "Overlay" modal div layer in the app's web page - Anything else? (BTW In this particular application, users are prevented from tabbed browsing - so they never have multiple windows open for the same app). And best practices for the layout and wording of the warning? Thanks! Rachel ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [email protected] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
