pattern-library 2 linked patterns checked
VA.gov Design System Button
Documents button usage, discourages disabled fields except in rare cases, and allows disabled action buttons for post-action in-between processing states.
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What this source can teach
Use this source to compare a documented solution with the task and states in your own product.
- Start with the original. Open the source and find the guidance or example relevant to your task.
- Trace the connection. Use the claim notes below to see how this site applies the source to specific patterns.
- Check the setting. Compare the source's platform, people, and constraints with your own decision.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled button with no explanation | Flag this anti-pattern when an unavailable action has no visible requirement, cause, owner, or next step near the control. | Users can discover why the action is unavailable without hovering a disabled control or guessing from color alone. | VA.gov button guidance strongly discourages disabled controls except in narrow processing contexts and emphasizes correct button/link use. |
| Disabled controls without recovery | Flag this anti-pattern when a disabled control blocks a task and the surrounding UI does not provide a reachable next step. | Users can discover the cause of unavailability without activating or hovering the disabled control itself. | VA.gov button guidance discourages disabled form controls except in narrow in-between states. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Disabled button with no explanation vs inline validation vs error summary
VA.gov button guidance strongly restricts disabled controls and treats post-action processing as the main acceptable disabled state.
- Disabled controls without recovery vs disabled button no explanation vs inline validation vs error summary vs permission recovery vs fallback path
VA.gov button guidance discourages disabled controls in forms except narrow in-between states.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: VA.gov Design System. Last checked: .