Check Engine Lights for Computers
[Raymond Chen] Automobile manufacturers have learned to consolidate all their error messages into one message called "Check engine". People are conditioned to take the car in to a mechanic when the "Check engine" light goes on, and let the mechanic figure out what is wrong. Can we have a "Check engine" light for computers? Would it be feasible?
I think it's a great idea. Computer messages are far too complex for the average user to decode and decide how to approach. Since reading Chapter 6 of Joel Spolsky's book on User Interface Design for Programmers I've taken note of just how many times I automatically click "No" or "Cancel" on a dialog box without even reading it.
Update: I asked my wife how she responds to a computer message that she doesn't understand. She said, "I look for the button that says 'Avoid this now!'" Yeah, give us an engine light, and while you're at it, automatically install patches for us.