Notifications

Notifications are messages generated by software or services to inform a user about events, updates, or required actions. They are intended to draw attention and prompt timely responses while fitting the context and user preferences.

Common channels include push notifications on mobile devices and desktops, in-app notifications displayed within an application, email messages, and SMS texts. Push notifications are delivered from a server to a device via a platform-specific service such as Apple Push Notification Service or Firebase Cloud Messaging, often appearing as banners, alerts, or badges. In-app notifications are shown while the user is actively using an application, while emails and SMS deliver messages outside the app environment.

Delivery is typically opt-in and governed by user preferences. Users may customize notification categories, frequency, and appearance, or enable features such as do-not-disturb, quiet hours, or snooze. Responsible design emphasizes relevance, actionability, and minimal disruption, using concise text, clear calls to action, and appropriate channels for the message type.

Privacy and policy considerations include user consent, data minimization, and transparent use of personal information. Notifications can be used for reminders, alerts about account activity, or updates from services the user subscribes to. They are a common element across mobile apps, web services, and operating systems, and continue to evolve with changes in device capabilities and user preferences.