Best Practices for Designing Notifications

Badges in an app serve as signals that there's something awaiting users' attention, like a new message or a reaction. Typically, these badges should be placed at the top right of icons. This consistent placement is crucial because users have grown accustomed to finding them there. It makes the app experience more intuitive.

Also, use badges thoughtfully. While they can boost user engagement by highlighting important information, excessive or annoying use may lead users to ignore them.

Users are accustomed to associating the dot badge shape with unseen updates or messages in most digital interfaces today. The shape is subtle, doesn't overwhelm the visual space, and efficiently communicates the presence of notifications. But most importantly, it aligns with user expectations, so sticking to the dot shape in notification badges is advisable.

A notification badge count should only be used to display the number of unread notifications on the app such as unread direct or group messages, emails, promotions, reminders, confirmations, cancellations, etc. This does not include information unrelated to notifications such as game scores, weather updates, or stock prices.^[1]

Snackbars should never cover or hide important elements like floating action buttons (FABs). When a snackbar appears, it needs to stay above the FAB. It should not overlap with it and should never be placed behind it. If a snackbar covers the FAB, users might miss an important action. If it goes behind the FAB, part of the message may not be visible. Keeping the snackbar above all content helps avoid confusion and supports a better experience.^[2]

Refrain from bombarding users with repeated notifications for the same event, even if they haven't responded immediately. Users engage with notifications on their own schedule, and overwhelming them with multiple alerts can lead to frustration. For instance, consider a messaging app. If it sends repeated notifications for an unread message without allowing time for users to respond, it may flood their screen, potentially prompting them to disable all notifications from the app.

Utilize techniques such as notification grouping, where related notifications are bundled together, or employ reminder notifications after a reasonable period. For instance, in the messaging app scenario, consider sending a reminder notification if users haven't opened the message after a set time. Additionally, provide users with customizable notification settings, allowing them to choose the frequency and type of notifications they prefer.

When your app is in the foreground, it's crucial to handle notifications gracefully. Present the information in a way that is discoverable yet unintrusive. This can be achieved by incrementing a badge count or subtly inserting new data into the current view. For instance, consider a messaging app. If users are actively using the app and a new message arrives, instead of sending a disruptive notification, the app could update the unread message count or seamlessly insert the new message into the current conversation view. This approach ensures users are informed without unnecessary distractions, creating a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.

Every notification should be highly contextual, delivering value to users and assisting them in accomplishing goals. Personalizing each message to align with the user's journey enhances relevance. For instance, during onboarding, in-app notifications can serve as in-app guides introducing product features.

Effective personalization involves segmenting users and tailoring messages for each group. For loyal customers, in-app notifications could offer exclusive discounts, enhancing their experience. Similarly, when users near their free usage limit, a personalized prompt for upsell opportunities can be triggered. This approach ensures that notifications are not only timely but also tailored to individual user needs, contributing to a more engaging and user-centric experience.^[1]

Whether you’re creating push or in-app notifications, keep your messages concise and focused. Avoid lengthy sentences and technical jargon, as this can overwhelm users and lead to missed details. Straightforward messages are more likely to capture users' attention and prompt action.

While the allowed character count varies, most platforms can handle up to 39 characters for the title and 150 for the message. While you technically have some flexibility within these limits, always aim to keep it as short as possible. If you can convey your message in a single line, why drag it out? The goal is to make sure users can quickly absorb the information with just a glance.