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Using 'info' icon for abort/stop is confusing UX #651

@omachala

Description

@omachala

Issue

The use of an "info" icon (ℹ️) to abort or stop a running session is extremely confusing and counter-intuitive. Users expect an info icon to show information, not to terminate or abort an operation.

Current Behavior

  • An info icon is used to abort/stop running sessions
  • This violates common UI/UX conventions where info icons are non-destructive and informational

Why This Is Problematic

  1. Expectation mismatch: Info icons universally indicate "view more information" or "help"
  2. Accidental aborts: Users may click thinking they'll see session details, only to abort the session
  3. No visual warning: Info icons don't convey danger/caution, unlike stop/abort icons
  4. Platform inconsistency: No major platform (iOS, Android, Web) uses info icons for abort actions

Expected Behavior

Abort/stop actions should use appropriate icons:

  • ❌ Stop/X icon
  • ⏹️ Square stop button
  • 🛑 Octagonal stop sign
  • ⏸️ Pause icon (if it's meant to pause rather than abort)

Info icons should be reserved for:

  • Viewing session details
  • Showing help/documentation
  • Displaying metadata

Suggested Solution

  1. Replace abort button icon with a clear stop/cancel icon (❌ or ⏹️)
  2. Use info icon (ℹ️) for viewing session information/details instead
  3. Consider adding confirmation dialog for destructive abort action
  4. Add tooltips/labels to clarify button purpose

Impact

High - This is a fundamental UX issue that violates user expectations and could lead to accidental session termination. Users coming from any other application will have learned that info icons are safe to click.

Examples from Other Apps

  • VS Code: Uses ⏹️ for stopping running tasks
  • Chrome DevTools: Uses ❌ for aborting network requests
  • Terminal apps: Use Ctrl+C or explicit "Stop" buttons
  • Mobile apps: Use ❌ or "Cancel" buttons for abort actions

Related Design Principles

This violates the "Principle of Least Surprise" - UI elements should behave as users expect based on established conventions.

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