I have several PHP IDEs installed and switch between them sometimes. I prefer Komodo IDE for most cases but sometimes I need Zend Studio (Eclipse–based). Today is exactly that day.

The problem

There are six TYPO3 projects in my Zend Studio workspace. I tried to close one and open another. Here is what I got from Eclipse:

How many usability issues are here? I count these:

  • "An internal error occurred while showing an internal error". Whaaaaaat did you want to say by this?
  • "You are recommended..." is an action prompt. It should not be in the middle of the text but moved to the bottom, where the question is.
  • What is "workbench"? I though I work in the Zend Studio.
  • I am recommended to exit the workbench. Okay. But... Why the default button is "No"? So do you recommend to exit the workbench or not?

These issues are certainly small. But they make the reader feel uncomfortable. They are not clearly written and the default action contradicts the prompt.

A better alternative

How would I change the text? I would write something like this:

A series of internal errors has happened. Further errors may result in data loss.

To prevent data loss we strongly recommend you to exit the Zend Stutio. Would you like to exit now?

And put the focus on the "Yes" button.

I am not a native English speaker but to me this sounds better. It is not very technical. I do not mention the .log file, which most users will not find anyway (and some will not find it useful at all). I also do not use such strong words as "terminate without warning". I show that error is critical enough ("may result in data loss") but I avoid scaring users to much.

What does it mean globally? It means that usability is important and details are even more important. I found that the best way to see how usable is something is to give it to a non–technical person to read or try. Then fix it. This way ot works.