Overview

Actions are a key element of any product. Typically, actions take the form of buttons and links. Having many products raises the need of standardizing the language used to name and define actions. This is the so-called controlled vocabulary.

Look and feel

Using a controlled vocabulary does not limit how you express yourself. It drives consistency and prevents issues related to translation. Controlled vocabulary facilitates the usage of AI and chatbots as terms are standardized and their usage - harmonized.

Choosing the Appropriate Verb

Action verbs are used in three main aspects of the UI - as triggers, as dialog titles, and as positive and negative finalizing actions.

1
do
false

Recommended

  • Choose a verb that best describes the action. Consult the list of verbs and their intended meaning.
  • Use the imperative form of the verb.
  • Describe the action by using the verb only. Use verb qualifiers only if necessary.
  • Relate the verb in the trigger action to the verb in the finalizing action.
1
dont
false

Not Recommended

  • Avoid mixing icons and verbs in the same action. Use verbs instead.
  • Avoid verbose action names. Try rephrasing the context instead.

See also:

UA Documentation - Controlled Vocabulary

Fiori Design Guideline - Terminology for Common Actions

Preferred Verbs

guideline
The use of the following verbs is recommended and preferred over other verbs in UI texts.

Add, Create and Copy

<div> <div>Trigger</div> <div>Usage</div> <div>Task Title</div> <div>Finalizing Actions</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FnNw2JHJT5mCEnaQutecbIe">Add</a></div> <div>To include as an existing object, process, or item.</div> <div>Add <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Add, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FyjpeMrAgbXQd26Y6DK1P5s">Create</a></div> <div>To add as a new object, process, or item.</div> <div>Create <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Create / Create and New, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2Fg0VWVrKbya1DdjA0Z9xtAT">Copy</a></div> <div>To create a new object or item based on an existing one.</div> <div>Copy <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Create</div> </div>

Remove and Delete

<div> <div>Trigger</div> <div>Usage</div> <div>Task Title</div> <div>Finalizing Action</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FMBkOZQ0aU2uhtQ5qAKgWEa">Remove</a></div> <div>To take out, such as a reference to an item.</div> <div>Remove <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Remove, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FfvptUbdhnjKBYl4jXGeALY">Delete</a></div> <div>To remove permanently, such as data from a database.</div> <div>Delete <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Delete, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div>Discard</div> <div>Discard a draft for a new object, or a draft version containing changes to an existing object. Use Discard if the object or item has not yet been actively saved by the user.</div> <div>Discard <QUALIFIER> (Changes)</div> <div>Discard</div> </div>

Edit, Configure, Change and Set

<div> <div>Trigger</div> <div>Usage</div> <div>Task Title</div> <div>Finalizing Action</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FOA1WqjRfwrvKz2659yLYNg">Edit</a></div> <div>To make one or more significant modifications.</div> <div>Edit <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Save, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FPE4mGmJYotPnpoylUe0MGI">Configure</a></div> <div>To set up for operation, especially for a specific purpose; to make major changes to a system.</div> <div>Configure <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Save, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FfaVEDFUWit7GGVvMcpUhVh">Change</a></div> <div>To make a simple modification.</div> <div>Change <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Save, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div><a href="https%3A%2F%2Fjam4.sapjam.com%2Fwiki%2Fshow%2FjK7Vl9B6sGzbEntHVxhEEH">Set</a></div> <div>To adjust to a desired value, such as a default setting.</div> <div>Set <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Save, Cancel</div> </div>

Accept and Approve

<div> <div>Trigger</div> <div>Usage</div> <div>Task Title</div> <div>Finalizing Action</div> </div> <div> <div>Accept</div> <div>Accept invitations, contracts.</div> <div>Accept <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Accept, Decline, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div>Approve</div> <div>Grant permission (for example, for budget or vacation).</div> <div>Approve <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Approve, Reject, Cancel</div> </div>

Reject and Decline

<div> <div>Trigger</div> <div>Usage</div> <div>Task Title</div> <div>Finalizing Action</div> </div> <div> <div>Reject</div> <div>Refuse permission.</div> <div>Reject <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Reject, Approve, Cancel</div> </div> <div> <div>Decline</div> <div>Refuse an invitation.</div> <div>Decline <QUALIFIER></div> <div>Decline, Accept, Cancel</div> </div>

OK and Close

<div> <div>Button</div> <div>Usage</div> </div> <div> <div>OK</div> <div> <p>Confirm settings that may or may not have been changed (for example, filter settings for a table).</p> <p>Note: In most cases, a specific action verb is preferable</p> </div> </div> <div> <div>Close</div> <div>Close the dialog or window.</div> </div>

Previous and Finish

<div> <div>Button</div> <div>Usage</div> </div> <div> <div>Previous</div> <div>Go back to the previous screen.</div> </div> <div> <div>Finish</div> <div>Trigger the completion of a workflow or process. Other labels may be used when finishing a workflow or process kicks off a subsequent workflow.</div> </div>

See also:

Forbidden Terms