User Assumes All Risk
I saw a sign in a parking lot this weekend that read, “Remove Valuables. User Assumes All Risk.” The second statement made me think about how there are times I have to decide who assumes risk in the software I design.
For example, let’s say a user decides to delete a database record. Should I warn them with a sign or just let them implement their decision? Let’s be honest, not everyone sees those signs. It’s a rather precarious role I play. I don’t want to clutter software with too much signage, especially if it might impede someone from accomplishing their goals, but I also want the user to know they’re responsible for their choices. I hope they have the common sense to realize that when they click a button labeled “Delete” it really does what it says.
In essence, I guess we both assume risk. I could very easily put up signs warning the user about actions they’re about to take or actions they’ve just taken. But I think it comes down to trust. How much do I trust the user? I’m thinking about that. How much do you?
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