Error Handling for Fields
Set the field or fields where an error occurred to the error state (see input field) and place an error message as close to the field where the error occurred as possible (if there is more than one field, place the message at the first error field). Place the cursor into the (first) error field.
Avoid Popups!
Popups interrupt the users' work flow and thus annoy them.
Exception : You may use popups for severe errors like aborts that need direct user intervention.
Future Development
After validation of a field, the error message will appear in a line directly below the field. As this change in layout can be performed locally, there will be no major screen flicker.
iViews : In addition, iViews (trays) will have a status bar where a general error message will appear. This status bar may also display warnings and success messages (an icon will indicate the type of the message). The location of the status bar can be either below the title bar or at the bottom of the tray ( open ). The status bar may be hidden by the application.