The Heed Desktop App delivers real-time desktop notifications to end users and helps users stay aware of important updates directly from their desktop. This article explains the different types of desktop notifications you may receive and how to interact with them.
Notification Types
Heed supports several types of desktop notifications. Each type appears in a different position on your screen and may include actions for you to complete.
Simple Card
A Simple Card is a standard desktop alert.
Where it appears
Windows: top-right corner
macOS: top-left corner
What you’ll see
A short message
Optional action buttons (e.g., Acknowledge, Tell me more)
Optional links to additional content
How to interact
Click an action button to complete or dismiss
Actions may open a webpage, form, survey, or confirmation dialog
Center Screen Card
A Center Screen Card is used for higher-priority updates.
Where it appears
Center of your screen
Can span across multiple monitors for visibility
What you’ll see
A larger card
Clear messaging
One or more action buttons
How to interact
Complete the required action or dismiss the alert
Ticker
A Ticker is a slim notification bar designed for longer or continuously updating information.
Where it appears
Top or bottom of the screen
What you’ll see
A horizontal bar containing text
Scrolling text if the message is longer than the available space
When it’s used
Longer updates
Repeating or real-time information
Low-disruption messaging
Video Notification
A Video Notification includes video content within a notification card.
Where it appears
Same position as a Simple Card
What you’ll see
A video thumbnail
A play button to start the video
How to interact
Click play to view the video inside the notification
Dismiss when finished
Survey Notification
A Survey Notification prompts you to complete a short survey.
What you’ll see
A card introducing the survey
A button such as Start Survey
How to interact
Click the button to open the survey in a new window
Complete the questions as required
Fullscreen Notification
A Fullscreen Notification is reserved for urgent or emergency situations.
Where it appears
Covers the entire screen
What you’ll see
High-visibility alert
Clear instructions or recommended actions
When it’s used
Fire alerts
Severe weather warnings
Critical safety information
Fullscreen notifications override other content to ensure maximum visibility.
System Tray / Menu Bar Icon
The Heed Desktop App includes an icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS).
The icon shows whether the app is:
Online
Offline
Processing a notification
Clicking the icon opens the Active Notifications window, where you can:
View your top active items
Access recent notifications