![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*40qywssufPff5makau0IcQ.png)

Image Source: [https://material.io/guidelines/components/dialogs.html#dialogs-alerts](https://material.io/guidelines/components/dialogs.html#dialogs-alerts)

We use Dialog boxes in our apps to inform the user about a situation and require acknowledgment. The naive action button pairs to use in the dialogs would be **OK/Cancel** and **Yes/No**. But can we do it better?

> Let the Action Buttons in the Dialog Box scream its outcome

It will be a better user experience if the action buttons clearly indicate the outcome than using the generic labels (like OK/ Yes).

From the [Material Design Guidelines](https://material.io/guidelines/components/dialogs.html#dialogs-alerts),

> _The affirmative action text “Discard” clearly indicates the outcome of the decision._

> _The dismissive action text “No” answers the question, but does not suggest what will happen afterwards. A better action pair would be an explicit “Cancel” and “Delete.”_

From an [UX Planet](https://uxplanet.org/) [article](https://uxplanet.org/primary-secondary-action-buttons-c16df9b36150#.zhrqw89k0) by the famous [Nick Babich](https://medium.com/@101)

> _A good dialog box isn’t just about asking users which action they want to perform. It’s also about making each option as clear as possible._

> _It’s often better to name a button to explain what it does than to use a generic label (like “OK”)._

> _Use a verb whenever possible instead of ‘Yes’ or ‘OK’ because your buttons will make sense out of context with the explanatory text or title._

> _Never use ‘Yes’ or ‘OK’ when you could use a verb instead!_

Let’s look at the ‘verb’ labels used in the Dialog boxes of some famous apps,

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*ZvXfObz_afkSXnY2CjBIPQ.png)

Screenshot from Google Photos Android app

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*4IMsWW951tUZnf9K8armuA.png)

Screenshot from Facebook Messenger Android app

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*uL6FnxgFzPIkk0pX_zNFCw.png)

Screenshot from Twitter Android app

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*r3cQT2awTEZBHJVme07_sw.png)

Screenshot from Medium Android app

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*HQ9uXoFrsjN7ZX4Xseb43g.png)

Screenshot from Gallery Android app

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*HPTebYXjRdkcTbKrHh1EWA.png)

Screenshot from Google Keep Android app

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*oZx-WCbIQSeeEJbKBZJJpg.png)

Screenshot from Hangouts Android app

![](https://hackernoon.com/hn-images/1*CDZ8ozFnUwGiPJoftvEvtw.png)

Screenshot from Google Fit Android app

Looks like the ‘verb’ labels are used in the Dialog boxes of almost all the apps, except a few ( \*cough\* Telegram \*cough\* Amazon ). Let’s implement this Dialog Box UX pattern and make our apps better for our users.

_If you find this post useful, click the 💚 below, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments._

To reach us in Twitter: [Me](https://twitter.com/Dineshbabuhunky) | [Hacker Noon](https://twitter.com/hackernoon)

Amazon

Let the Action Buttons in the Dialog Box Scream its Outcome

Too Long; Didn't Read

People Mentioned

Companies Mentioned

@dineshbob10

RELATED STORIES