Cancel vs Close: Design to Distinguish the Difference

Distinguishing between the “cancel” and “close” actions is crucial to avoid losing users’ work. The ambiguous “X” icon often represents both actions, leading to confusion and frustration when users inadvertently lose their progress.

Designers must be aware of the multiple meanings of the “X” icon and take steps to disambiguate between “close” and “cancel” actions, as well as provide safeguards to avoid losing users’ work.